2.1.5

Ecosystem Case Study: Freshwater Ponds

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Ecosystem Case Study: Freshwater Ponds

Freshwater pond ecosystems are found in many places in the UK. Freshwater ponds can be used to explore a range of concepts.

Illustrative background for ProducersIllustrative background for Producers ?? "content

Producers

  • Producers use energy from the Sun for photosynthesis and growth.
    • Algae are examples of producers in freshwater ponds.
Illustrative background for ConsumersIllustrative background for Consumers ?? "content

Consumers

  • Consumers get their energy from eating producers like algae.
    • Stickleback fish are an example of consumers in freshwater ponds.
Illustrative background for DecomposersIllustrative background for Decomposers ?? "content

Decomposers

  • When producers and consumers die they will fall to the pond bottom and rot.
  • Decomposers help to break down and release the nutrients in dead producers and consumers.
  • The nutrients released by decomposers are used by plants in nutrient cycling.
    • Rat-tailed maggots are an example of decomposers.
Illustrative background for The food chainIllustrative background for The food chain ?? "content

The food chain

  • This is the passage of energy from producers to consumers forms part of a food chain.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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