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The secret of the underwater forest: What are the biological differences between shallow water and deep water?
Lake ecosystems, or lake ecosystems, include a combination of living things (such as plants, animals, and microorganisms) and non-living things (that is, physical and chemical interactions). These systems are a good example of lentic ecosystems, ranging from small temporary rainwater pools to deep lakes such as Lake Baikal. The ecological conditions in shallow water areas and deep water areas are different, and these differences undoubtedly affect the habitat and reproduction of organisms in these areas.
Water classification and biological regions
Lake ecosystems can be divided into several regions. A common way to divide a lake is to divide it into three main areas:
- Littoral Zone: A shallow water area near the shore where rooted wetland plants live.
- Pelagic Zone: This is the water outside of shallow water where sunlight is sufficient to enhance photosynthesis and support phytoplankton and other organisms that depend on them.
- Profundal Zone: Due to insufficient light, the biological food chain in this area is usually based on settled organic matter.
Abiotic conditions can vary greatly from region to region, so organisms here must be specially adapted to survive.
Competition and cooperation among organisms
There are complex competition and cooperation relationships between organisms in lakes. Plants in shallow water are usually able to quickly survive changing environments, while organisms in deep water tend to be more flexible in resource acquisition.
Creatures in shallow water
Shallow water areas are rich in biological diversity, and plants such as duckweed and water hyacinth provide abundant habitat space and food sources. These plants efficiently use sunlight for photosynthesis, providing oxygen to the entire ecosystem and becoming a food source for other organisms such as fish and crustaceans.
Creatures in deep waters
In contrast, the living conditions for deep-water creatures such as some fish and benthic invertebrates are relatively harsh. Most of these organisms rely on organic matter from shallow waters, such as carrion or sediment, for energy. Due to the lack of sunlight, the main biological productivity here is in the sediments.
Ecological changes and human impacts
The ecological change of lakes is a slow process, but human activities often accelerate this process, exacerbating the eutrophication and sediment accumulation of lakes. People's sewage discharge behavior and agricultural fertilization not only affect the nutrient content of the water body, but also significantly change the ecological balance within the lake.
In the face of this change, can we find a balance between protection and development?
Conclusion
Whether it is shallow water or deep water, each area has its own unique combination of organisms and adaptive strategies. The differences between these ecosystems not only reflect the diversity of environmental conditions, but also show how life finds the possibility to adapt in changing conditions. Can humans recognize the delicate balance between these ecologies and make our behavior more sustainable to protect our water forests?
