Local Ecosystems: Ponds (AQA A-Level Geography): Flashcards

Small water bodies up to 2 hectares

Water enrichment with excess nutrients (N & P)

Nutrients→algae→death→O₂ loss→animals die

Producers, herbivores, carnivores

Break down dead matter, release N, P, Mg

Ecological succession in freshwater environment

Over 200 years, 5 distinct stages

80% poor/very poor; lost 500,000 in 100 years

Create network of 1+ million countryside ponds

Shore, surface film, open water, pond bottom