FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

• are a subset of Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include lakes ,ponds, rivers, streams, springs, and wetlands. They can be contrasted with marine ecosystems, which have a larger salt content. Freshwater habitats can be classified by different factors, including temperature, light penetration, and vegetation.

Fresh water is defined as having a low salt concentration- usually less than 1% of salt in the water. Organisms that live in freshwater regions cannot survive in high salt concentrations

RIVERS AND STREAMS

• Details/Climate- water that constantly moves in the same direction. Because of this the communities are always changing to match the changing pace of the river. Found throughout the world. Temperatures in these regions decline as the water frowns deeper.
• Animals- Trout, otters,water fowl, salmon, snail, and other animals, as well as animals from the surrounding area that use the rivers as source of food and water.
• Plants- Algae- usually attached to rocks liverworts, mosses, willows, river birch.

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LAKES AND PONDS

• Details\Climate- standing body of water created as rivers and streams empty into it. Temperatures in these regions decline as the water becomes deeper.
• Animals- Phytoplankton, small fish, dragonflies, ducks, turtles, snakes, crustaceans, alligators, clams, and snails.
• Plants- Rooted and floating plants such as elodea, water hyacinth, and water lilies.

Lakes and Ponds