Sci 256 - Ecosystems Paper

Ecosystem Paper

Laura Rubio

SCI/ 256

July 24, 2017

Cyraj El-Bakoush

Ecosystem Paper

A freshwater lake ecosystem includes a biotic (living) plants, animals, and other organisms. Freshwater ecosystems are a good example of a lentic ecosystem (still water). This type of ecosystem ranges from lakes to ponds. Lakes are divided into two zones, shallow-water and open water. The systems can range from short-lived puddles to large lakes.

                                Ecosystem Structure

The abiotic features that are in the ecosystem of 12 Mile Lake include things like the water, sunlight, soil, oxygen, and temperature. Water is a major factor “water is life”. All living organisms need water, plants must have water to grow. Without the water the animals become weak and confused and could die if they don’t have it. Soil is also considered an abiotic factor because it is made up of mostly small particles of rock (sand and clay) mixed with decomposed plants and animals. Sunlight is another important abiotic factor for many living organisms, without it humans would not be able to live. Also, many other organisms would not be able to live without oxygen. Temperature is also another abiotic factor it plays an important role for animals that cannot regulate their own body temperature, such as reptiles ("Abiotic and Biotic Factors ", n.d.).

There are many organisms that live in the lake, live on the bottom of the lake. These organisms go wherever the current takes them; they are species that go wherever they want to. Bottom dwelling animals include, clams, snails, other invertebrates, and aquatic insects. The bottom plants that occupy the lake include attached algae and macrophytes. Bottom living organisms are the fungi and bacteria. The items that go where ever the water takes them includes debris, zooplankton, and algae. The last part of this ecosystem includes a wide variety of fish, larger zooplankton, and amphibians. These animals would be at the top of the food chain, these creatures can go and do what they want ("Understanding Lakes", n.d.).  

                                Nutrient Cycle

The oxygen cycle is an important in the health of the lake and the organisms that inhabit them. Oxygen is absorbed by the water by one of two sources, from the air or water plant photosynthesis. It is dissolved into the water from the air when they are mixed by the action of wind or waves. There are other ways that aeration can be helped along. The use of pumps and paddle wheels, oxygen levels can be maintained along during times of decreased oxygen. A method like this is utilized in a small body of water that does not have the necessary open water to produce wave action to mix the oxygen.