Pond Ecosystem. Characteristics of pond water, physio-chemichal properties of pond water, Biotic and abiotic factors of pond water

1. Presented By :- Ashish Verma
M.Sc. III Semester
Paper :- Limnology.
Department of Zoology
Government Autonomous Post Graduate College Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh
480221
Topic:- Pond Ecosystem

2. • Introduction
• Definition
• Different Zones of Pond
• Classification of Pond
• Physical Properties Of Pond Water
• Chemical Properties Of Pond Water
• Biological Properties Of Pond Water
• Adaptations in Pond Animals
• Conclusion
• Refrences
Content

3. • Ponds are small, shallow bodies of freshwater, often formed
by natural processes like rainwater accumulation or human-
made structures like dams. Pond ecosystems are
characterized by their size, which is smaller than lakes, and
their relatively stable environment compared to flowing
water bodies like rivers.
Introduction

4. • A pond ecosystem refers to the interactions and relationships
between living organisms and their physical and chemical
environment within a pond. It includes a wide range of flora
and fauna, such as aquatic plants, algae, invertebrates, and
various vertebrates, each playing a role in the ecosystem’s
balance.
Definition

5. • Ponds typically consist of several zones:
• Littoral Zone: The shallow, nearshore area where aquatic plants
thrive, providing habitat and shelter for many organisms.
• Limnetic Zone: The open, sunlit water area beyond the littoral zone,
where plankton and fish are abundant.
• Profundal Zone: The deep, dark water region where decomposing
organic matter accumulates, and oxygen levels are low.
• Benthic Zone: The pond’s bottom, where sediment-dwelling
organisms live.
Different Zones of Pond

6. # Ponds can be classified based on various factors, such as
their :-
• origin (natural or man-made),
• water source (rainwater or spring-fed), or
• nutrient content (eutrophic or oligotrophic).
Classification of Pond

7. • The physical properties of pond water significantly influence its ecosystem:
• Temperature: Ponds exhibit temperature stratification, with surface waters
warming faster than deeper layers, affecting the distribution of aquatic life.
• Depth: Ponds may be shallow or deep, impacting light penetration and
oxygen availability for organisms.
• Turbidity: Water clarity, or turbidity, influences the growth of aquatic
plants and algae, which, in turn, affects the entire food web.
• Flow: Ponds can be still or display some water movement, impacting
nutrient distribution and oxygen availability.
Physical Properties Of Pond Water

8. Chemical aspects of pond water are pivotal for the health of the ecosystem:
• pH: Pond water’s pH level can vary, influencing nutrient availability and
affecting aquatic life.
• Oxygen Content: Oxygen is critical for the survival of fish and other aquatic
organisms, and its levels can fluctuate.
• Nutrient Levels: Ponds vary in nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen and
phosphorus, which impact plant and algae growth, forming the base of the
food chain.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), etc.:
These parameters are used to assess the organic and inorganic pollutants
present in the water, helping to gauge its health and suitability for aquatic
life.
Chemical Properties Of Pond Water

9. Pond ecosystems host a diverse array of organisms:
• Aquatic Plants: Submerged, floating, and emergent plants are essential for
primary production, providing food and habitat for various organisms.
• Invertebrates: Insects, crustaceans, and mollusks are common in pond
ecosystems, serving as crucial components of the food web.
• Fish and Amphibians: Ponds are often home to various fish species and
amphibians like frogs and salamanders, each displaying unique adaptations
for survival.
• Microorganisms: Microscopic organisms, including bacteria and algae, are
fundamental to nutrient cycling and decomposition, maintaining the
ecosystem’s balance.
Biological Properties Of Pond Water

10. • Adaptations in Pond Water Animals: Animals in pond ecosystems exhibit
remarkable adaptations to thrive in their watery environment:
• Buoyancy Control: Many aquatic animals have evolved mechanisms to
control their buoyancy, allowing them to stay at their preferred depth in
the water column.
• Gills: Fish and certain invertebrates have developed gills to extract oxygen
from water efficiently, facilitating respiration.
• Camouflage: To evade predators or hunt effectively, many pond animals
have evolved camouflage techniques, blending seamlessly with their
surroundings.
• Webbed Feet: Amphibians and waterfowl have webbed feet, a specialized
adaptation for efficient swimming and navigation in the aquatic
environment.
Adaptation In Pond Animals

11. • pond ecosystems, though small in scale, are rich in diversity
and ecological significance. They serve as valuable natural
resources, providing essential services such as water
purification, habitat for wildlife, and recreational
opportunities. Understanding and conserving these unique
habitats is crucial in the face of environmental challenges.
Ponds exemplify the beauty of nature’s intricacies,
showcasing how even the smallest of waters can nurture
complex and fascinating life forms.
Conclusion

12. • Fresh Water Biology – Jayshree Dutta and Munshi
• Conservation and Management of Aquatic Ecosystem – Sankaran
Unni
References

13. Thank You