Lake ecosystem

A lake ecosystem comprises the organisms living in a lake and the physical and chemical conditions they interact with. Its habitats and food webs are shaped by water depth, light, nutrients, and seasonal mixing.

Lake stratification: The separation of lake water into layers of different temperatures and densities. Temperature layers control oxygen and nutrient movement between surface and deep habitats.
Phytoplankton: Microscopic photosynthetic organisms that drift in aquatic environments. These suspended producers form the base of many lake food webs.
Eutrophication: The enrichment of water with nutrients that can increase biological production and alter ecosystems. Excess nutrient inputs can trigger algal growth and oxygen depletion in lakes.
Invasive species: Species introduced beyond their native range that spread and cause ecological or economic harm. Introduced organisms can alter lake food webs, habitats, and nutrient flows.
River ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting with the physical and chemical environment of flowing water. Unlike lakes, rivers are shaped by persistent downstream flow and transport.
Lake turnover: Seasonal mixing that redistributes water and dissolved substances through a lake. Mixing can replenish deep-water oxygen and return nutrients to surface waters.
Zooplankton: Small drifting animals and animal-like organisms that feed in aquatic food webs. Many graze on phytoplankton and become food for fish.
Harmful algal bloom: A rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria that produces toxins or other harmful effects. Some lake blooms threaten wildlife, drinking water, and recreation.
Freshwater biodiversity: The variety of life and ecological relationships in inland waters. Lake ecosystems contribute distinct habitats and species to global freshwater diversity.
Wetland ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting within land saturated or inundated with water. Wetlands often have shallow water and emergent vegetation rather than open lake basins.

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