| Here you can find information on freshwater habitats and the different kinds of organisms that inhabit them. The ecological database has both summarised and detailed information on the life-history, behaviour, distribution and habitat requirements of freshwater organisms. The sub-topics covered include: Freshwater Habitats, Freshwater Organisms, Habitat Loss and Conservation. |
Diversity of organisms and habitats in freshwater |
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 The web of life in any body of freshwater (however small) is complex. Photosynthesising organisms, such as water weeds and phytoplankton, are primary producers. They support the herbivores (secondary consumers), such as some zooplanton and some species of fish. Thus, energy within an ecosystem is transferred from primary producers to higher levels through food-chains and more complex food-webs. The organisms interact with their environment in many ways and the functional whole (organisms, water, sand, silt and rock together with dissolved chemicals in the water etc) is referred to as the ecosystem. The habitat of an organism is characterised by the physical and/or biotic properties of the environment. The diversity of freshwater life is created through these interactions between living organisms and the abiotic environment. Natural phenomenon and human influence can cause changes to habitat availability and thus diversity of organisms. Habitat loss and pollution are a serious threat, and this section provides information about many threatened and rare species and their conservation. |
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How do organisms and habitats affect each other and the functioning of the freshwater ecosystem. |
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| Freshwater habitats can be divided into several different categories. The main types are Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Ponds, Wetlands and Estuaries. In these can be further divided into smaller and more specific categories, for example Artificial Waterbodies and Temporary Waterbodies. The diversity of habitats and niches available affects the diversity of organisms present in that ecosystem. Organisms themselves can also create niches, for example aquatic plants provide living substrate and food for herbivorous snails. Organisms modify the freshwater ecosystem mainly by using material from the water or the substrate, storing, changing or removing it from the system or recycling it back to the lake or pond. These processes take place even in frozen lakes of Antarctica, but are most active in tropical ecosystems. It is important to conserve good quality habitats. Habitat loss has been one of the main reasons for decline and extinction of many freshwater species. |
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Why not contribute to this topic? |
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 If you are interested in contributing to this Topic, you can submit your own relevant sub-topics and knowledge items. To become a FreshwaterLife member is easy, just click on the Join Now button, and you can start submitting your own material and take part in discussions. For this Life in Freshwater topic, suitable material could be information on freshwater communities and habitat and their interactions. |
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