LEARNING EVIDENCE 4

Lentic ecosystem

Group 315 - Team 2:

-Diego Hernández Cerda #18
-Grizel Hinojosa Zambrano #19
-Gerardo Yahir Izquierdo Lucio #22
-Javier Nicolás Jiménez Martínez #24
-Mayté Mendoza Sánchez #29

The nature of life

Biologist: Juvel Tadeo Marín Guerrero

 INDICE

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………… 3
Objectives …………………………………………………………………...….. 4
Theoretical framework ….……………………………………………………… 6
Posed problem …………………………………………………………………. 9
Hypotheses (proposals on how to avoid, how to mitigate that problem) .. 10
Conclusion …………….………………………………………………………. 12
Bibliography …………………………………………………………………… 13
 Introduction

Let’s begin, a lentic ecosystem (that mainly includes lakes, ponds, swamps and estuaries)
is a diverse set of inland freshwater habitats that exist across our planet Earth; due to its
closed structure, its water remains stagnant and no current flow is come to pass among
its water, and just like every single type of ecosystem, it counts with its own biotic and
abiotic factors. Lentic ecosystems are widely distributed and indispensable for lots of
species, including the human being, this is because their physical characteristics (such
as water depth, temperature stratification and light availability) that are the reason why
organisms can survive there; for example, aquatic plants and phytoplankton thrive thanks
to the sunlight they receive in the shallow areas, forming the base of the food web; by the
other side, deeper zones may host different species that are adapted to lower levels of
sunlight and cooler temperatures, the unique habitats created by the features of this type
of ecosystem give rise to diverse biological communities within lentic ecosystems. The
various niches available in lakes and wetlands foster species richness.

Although, these habitats stand for only the 3% of the Earth’s surface, and unfortunately
this type of ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the human demand of water, since
its importance lies in the fact that aquatic systems benefit societies in a fundamental way
because they provide the most of water needed by the human beings to do their domestic
activities, as well as its industrial ones, like urbanization, agriculture and pollution that
have a profound impact on lentic ecosystems by altering water quality and disrupting
habitats; besides, water is a necessary resource for live and the survival of every living
being, therefore, it’s important to study any aquatic ecosystem and we’re making an
emphasis on lentic ecosystems in the present investigation.
 Objectives

Recent evidence suggests that freshwater ecosystems are more imperiled than the
marine and terrestrial ones: habitat loss, eutrophication, acidification, chemical
contamination, global warming, and exotic species are just some of the factors that have
directly or indirectly impacted lentic ecosystems and that represent a threat for
biodiversity. Substantial progress has been made identifying how some of these threats
affect aquatic communities and how to develop strategies (that is crucial a combination
of strategies to face these challenges) to reduce or eliminate their impacts. The following
list is about the problems that affect lentic ecosystems and some proposal to solve them:

• The input of phosphorus contributes to lake eutrophication, that-s why some laws
have been enacted to treat wastewater and reduce sewage input of phosphorus into lentic
ecosystems; plus, implementing buffer areas around wetland can also help filter
pollutants before they enter water bodies.

• The introduction of invader species represents a menace to native species, an

examples of this is the introduction of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis) into Central America, since it is involved in the extinction of numerous
amphibian species. To solve this, it’s necessary to control the spread of the exotic species
but it’s difficult to eliminate it from the communities that affect.

• The expanding of agricultural lands is concerning for the environment, since these
activities do not only lead to the loss of habitat of several species, but also fragment and
alter the landscape in which the remaining habitats are located. Promoting sustainable
land-use practices can mitigate erosion and protect ecosystem integrity could be a
solution, additionally, engaging local communities to conserve the environment can be
also very helpful.

These are just some examples of problems that affect lentic ecosystems, later in this
document we will see this in a more detailed way.
a) American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana),
b) Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis),
c) spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederstroemi),
d) rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus).
 Theoretical framework
Geographical distribution

Lentic ecosystems stand out in our world with examples such as The Great Lakes
between the USA and Canada, the Caspian Sea (although its name it is a lake) between
Central Asia and the Caucasus, Victoria Lake between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya;
other known lakes in our world are Titicaca, placed between Peru and Bolivia borders,
and Baikal lake, in Russia.

Talking specifically about Mexico, we have a few renowned lakes and lagoons in our
territory, that are part of lentic ecosystems, for example, Cuatrociénegas, in Coahuila,
Chapala Lake in Jalisco, Cuitzeo and Pátzcuaro Lakes both in Michoacán, Yuriria lake in
Guanajuato, Miguel Alemán lake and laguna Superior both localized in Oaxaca, laguna
Madre in Tamaulipas and laguna de Términos, in Campeche.

Biotic factors
• Bacteria
Bacteria are present in all regions of lentic waters. Free-living forms are associated with
decomposing organic material, biofilm on the surfaces of rocks and plants, suspended in
the water column, and in the sediments of the benthic and profundal zones. Other forms
are also associated with the guts of lentic animals as parasites or in commensal
relationships. Bacteria play an important role in system metabolism through nutrient
recycling.

• Phytoplankton algae
Phytoplankton are found drifting in the water column of the pelagic zone. Many species
have a higher density than water which should making them sink and end up in the
benthos. To combat this, phytoplankton have developed density changing mechanisms,
by forming vacuoles and gas vesicles or by changing their shapes to induce drag, slowing
their descent. A very sophisticated adaptation utilized by a small number of species is a
tail-like flagella that can adjust vertical position and allow movement in any direction.
Phytoplankton can also maintain their presence in the water column by being circulated
in Langmuir rotations.

• Aquatic plants
Aquatic plants are more buoyant than their terrestrial counterparts because freshwater
has a higher density than air. This makes structural rigidity unimportant in lakes and ponds
(except in the aerial stems and leaves). Thus, the leaves and stems of most aquatic plants
use less energy to construct and maintain woody tissue, investing that energy into fast
growth instead.

• Zooplankton
Zooplankton are tiny animals suspended in the water column. Like phytoplankton, these
species have developed mechanisms that keep them from sinking to deeper waters,
including drag-inducing body forms and the active flicking of appendages such as
antennae or spines. Remaining in the water column may have its advantages in terms of
feeding, but this zone’s lack of refugia leaves zooplankton vulnerable to predation.

• Amphibians (frogs)
In general, frogs have protruding eyes, no tail, and strong, webbed hind feet that are
adapted for leaping and swimming. They also possess smooth, moist skins. Many are
predominantly aquatic.

Abiotic factors
• Minerals
The nutrients from point and non-point sources, their forms and the rate of biochemical
transformations which depend upon the persisting hydro-bio-geo-physico-chemical
conditions, determine the primary productivity and trophic status of the lakes. N (free
ammonia, ionized ammonia, nitrates) and P (inorganic phosphates) are the nutrients
forms of major concern. Nutrient forms of N, P and other chemical components are the
results of typical parameters like REDOX potential, aeration level, retention time and
microbial community present in the system which necessitates the basic importance of
water quality (physico-chemical parameters) details.

• Soil type
Lentic ecosystems are bodies of stagnant or still water, such as lakes, ponds, ponds,
wetlands and swamps, so we cannot speak of a specific type of soil for this ecosystem.

• Acidity
The acidity of the water in a lentic ecosystem can affect the organisms that live in it, since
an inadequate pH can inhibit the growth of bacteria that eliminate contaminants.

• Precipitation
They replenish their water through precipitation. Precipitation is one of the sources of
water supply for lentic ecosystems, along with surface runoff, groundwater and mountain
snowmelt.

• Gases in the atmosphere

The most important gases in the dynamics of lentic ecosystems are CO₂ and O₂. The
concentration of these gases is regulated by their atmospheric pressure.

Environmental services provided

Water purification: Filter pollutants and sediments for cleaner water.

Biodiversity support: Serve as habitats and breeding grounds for various species.

Climate regulation: Absorb heat and maintain moisture in surrounding areas.

Flood control: Store excess water during heavy rainfall, reducing flood risks.

Recreational value: Offer activities like fishing and boating, supporting tourism and local
economies.
 Posed problem

Water users are all human beings, the way in which they help to degrade the quality of
this is through different activities such as agricultural (understood as the set of cultivation
techniques in order to produce food), livestock (including the breeding and fattening of
livestock, poultry and other animals for their use), aquaculture (cultivation, reproduction
and development of any species of aquatic fauna for commercial purposes), forestry (set
of actions aimed at the use of forests that involves both the care and rational use of timber
resources), Domestic (actions of daily life that are carried out inside homes for hygiene
and food, as well as uses and customs), industrial (set of processes that aim to transform
natural raw materials into products made in mass). These activities constitute the
anthropogenic factor that affects ecosystems that provide environmental services related
to water resources. The environmental impact derived from such activities translates into
effects, that is, physical, chemical, biological, economic, social and cultural disturbances
that affect the environment.

Activities that pollute

The social and economic activities that we briefly describe below take place in all regions
of the world and affect water quality to varying degrees.

Crop planting. Agriculture is considered the greatest source of soil and water pollution in
the rural environment, through surface runoff and its infiltration. The use of agrochemicals
(herbicides, pesticides, pesticides) has increased disproportionately, it is estimated that
the amount of heavy metals, chemicals and hazardous waste doubles every 15 years.

Efects in an other ecosystem

Exploitation of timber forests and immoderate logging. Deforestation has a great impact
on the environment. Biodiversity is reduced by the displacement of the forest mass, which
affects the quality of water and air. The loss of forest resources also causes erosion
because there are no roots that retain the soil.
Species in danger of extinction

Plankton is in danger of extinction due to factors such as pollution, climate change and
overfishing.

Hypotheses (proposals on how to avoid, how to mitigate that

problem)

To address the environmental impact caused by the extraction of water for human
consumption, several proposals could help reduce and mitigate the degradation of natural
habitats.

- Promote Efficient Water Usage: By improving water efficiency in agriculture, industry,

and households, we can significantly decrease the amount of water needed from natural
sources. Encouraging the use of water-saving technologies like drip irrigation in
agriculture, low-flow fixtures in homes, and water recycling in factories can help lower
consumption.

- Implement Sustainable Extraction Policies: Governments should enforce policies

that limit water extraction rates, especially in areas where natural habitats are highly
sensitive. This involves setting extraction limits based on scientific assessments of the
local ecosystem's capacity to regenerate water supplies without harm.

- Restore Damaged Ecosystems: In areas where water extraction has already caused
habitat degradation, restoration efforts can help recover biodiversity. This could include
replanting native vegetation, reintroducing native species, and ensuring clean water flows
back into these environments.
- Raise Public Awareness: Educating the public on the environmental costs of water
extraction and the importance of conservation can lead to more responsible water usage.
Public campaigns and educational programs can encourage behaviors that reduce
unnecessary water use.

- Encourage Innovation in Water Conservation Technology: Investing in research and

development of new technologies for water conservation, such as improved desalination
methods or rainwater harvesting systems, can provide alternative solutions to reduce
reliance on freshwater sources.

By implementing these strategies, it is possible to significantly reduce the ecological

impact of water extraction, helping to preserve the natural habitats that are essential for
biodiversity and ecosystem health.
 Conclusion

The sustainable lifestyle of the Lentic System highlights the importance of adopting
practices that favor the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and environmental balance.
Lentic systems, such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, are crucial for biodiversity, the
water cycle, and climate regulation. Adopting a sustainable lifestyle in relation to these
systems involves properly managing water resources, reducing pollution, and promoting
ecological restoration.

This approach not only ensures the preservation of these ecosystems, but also
contributes to the well-being of human communities, by providing essential ecosystem
services such as drinking water supply, flood control, and recreation. In summary, the
adoption of a sustainable lifestyle in the context of the Lentic System is essential to
mitigate the negative effects of climate change, promote biodiversity and ensure the
health of ecosystems.
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