Pond Ecosystems
What are producers in a pond ecosystem?
Plants and algae that make their own food.
How acidic or basic a substance is
What is an algae bloom?
A rapid growth of algae that forms thick layers on water surfaces.
What is fertilizer runoff?
When excess fertilizer is washed into ponds, streams, or rivers.
Why is fertilization important for a pond's ecosystem?
It promotes plankton growth, which serves as the base of the food chain for fish.
Name two consumers found in a pond ecosystem.
Fish, frogs, insects, etc.
What is the pH range needed for most pond organisms to stay healthy?
Between 6.5 and 8.5.
What two nutrients often cause algae blooms?
Nitrogen and phosphorus
Why is fertilizer runoff a problem for ponds?
It adds extra nutrients that can lead to algae blooms and disrupt the ecosystem.
True or False: Fish from other lakes and ponds can be used to stock your pond.
False. This practice risks introducing diseases and invasive species.
What role do decomposers play in a pond ecosystem?
They break down dead material and recycle nutrients.
How does a low pH affect fish and other aquatic life?
Low pH can harm their bodies or make it harder to breathe.
How does an algae bloom affect oxygen levels in a pond?
It decreases oxygen levels when algae decompose, making it harder for aquatic life to survive.
What are two ways to prevent fertilizer runoff into ponds?
Limit fertilizer use and create buffer zones with plants near water bodies
How often should a pond be fertilized once it’s started, assuming the water is clear?
Every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Explain why biodiversity is important in a pond ecosystem.
Biodiversity supports a stable, healthy ecosystem by providing balance and resilience.
How can pH testing help manage a pond?
It helps monitor water quality, indicating if conditions are safe for pond life
How can an algae bloom affect recreational activities, like swimming or fishing, in a pond?
Algae blooms can make water unsafe for swimming due to toxins and reduced water clarity. They can also harm fish populations, making fishing less successful and sometimes dangerous if the fish have absorbed toxins.
How does fertilizer runoff indirectly affect fish populations?
It causes algae blooms, which lower oxygen levels and can harm fish.
What fish species is commonly added to ponds to control algae and improve water quality?
Grass carp
Describe what would happen to the pond ecosystem if decomposers were removed.
Organic matter would accumulate, reducing nutrient recycling, harming plant growth, and affecting all organisms that rely on plants for food and oxygen.
Explain why water with a very high or very low pH might lead to an ecosystem collapse.
Extreme pH levels can stress or kill organisms, disrupting the food web and potentially leading to a collapse of biodiversity and overall pond health.
Describe the chain reaction that occurs in an ecosystem after a large algae bloom dies off.
Decomposition of algae uses up oxygen, leading to low oxygen levels, which can cause fish and other aquatic life to die, further reducing biodiversity
Explain how fertilizer runoff can lead to long-term damage in a pond ecosystem.
Repeated nutrient overloads cause frequent algae blooms, reduce oxygen, disrupt the food web, harm biodiversity, and can lead to permanent changes in water chemistry
Why is it important to wait a year after stocking fish before beginning regular fertilization?
To allow fish populations to establish and the ecosystem to stabilize.