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This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is often found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps. It experiences diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and has distinct zones, including the limnetic zone with shallow water and the prolimdal zone at the bottom. Which of the following aquatic ecosystems is best described by the above paragraph?
  • a)
    Coral reef
  • b)
    Freshwater ecosystem
  • c)
    Mangrove swamp
  • d)
    Marine ecosystem
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is...
Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosystem is best described by the provided paragraph as it is characterized by its low salt content and is commonly found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps.

Characteristics of Freshwater Ecosystem
- Low salt content
- Diurnal and seasonal temperature variations
- Distinct zones like limnetic zone and prolimdal zone

Zones in Freshwater Ecosystem
- Limnetic Zone: Shallow water zone where light penetrates for photosynthesis
- Prolimdal Zone: Bottom zone where decomposition of organic matter occurs

Location of Freshwater Ecosystem
- Ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps are common habitats for freshwater ecosystems

Conclusion
In conclusion, the freshwater ecosystem fits the description provided in the question due to its low salt content, diurnal and seasonal temperature variations, and distinct zones such as the limnetic and prolimdal zones. This ecosystem is crucial for a variety of plant and animal species and plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the environment.
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Community Answer
This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is...
  • Fresh water ecosystem
    • Water on land which is continuously cycling and has low salt content is known as fresh water and its study is called limnology. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
  • Physical Characteristics:
    • Static and Running Water: Freshwater ecosystems can be further classified into two categories - static or still water (lentic) and running water (lotic). Lentic freshwater ecosystems include features like ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps, which have relatively calm or stagnant water. Lotic ecosystems, on the other hand, include areas like springs, mountain brooks, streams, and rivers, where water is continuously flowing.
    • Low Salt Content: ü One of the defining characteristics of freshwater ecosystems is their low concentration of dissolved salts. Unlike marine ecosystems, which have high salinity, freshwater ecosystems contain water with significantly lower salt levels.
    • Temperature Variations:  Freshwater ecosystems experience diurnal (daily) and seasonal variations in temperature. In tropical lakes, the surface temperature remains relatively warm, never going below 40°C. In temperate freshwater bodies, the temperature does not go above or below 40°C. In polar regions, lakes maintain temperatures below 4°C.
    • Importance of Light: Light plays a significant role in freshwater ecosystems. It influences the growth of aquatic plants and the overall ecosystem's productivity. However, in many cases, a substantial amount of suspended materials in the water can obstruct the penetration of light, affecting the ecosystem's dynamics.
    • Aquatic Plants and Respiration: Aquatic plants in these ecosystems play a crucial role in photosynthesis, using dissolved carbon dioxide in the water for their energy production. Some aquatic animals, particularly those adapted to low-oxygen conditions, may float to the water's surface to access oxygen for respiration.
  • Distinct Zones in Lakes and Ponds:
    • Littoral Zone: The littoral zone is the term for the shore region of a lake or pond. It includes everything around the shore or bank, from the dry land to the water’s edge. For this reason it is generally the zone with the most aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation such as reeds, grasses and algaes.
    • Limnetic Zone: The next layer is called the limnetic zone and is the surface or open water section of the lake. The limnetic zone is classified by the amount of light that penetrates the body of water. This upper water layer is also referred to as the euphotic zone, and is the part of the lake that is warmest and receives the most sunlight. Once the sunlight can no longer penetrate the lake, the zone ends. Like the Littoral zone, aquatic plants thrive in this region, due to the presence of sunlight. Oxygen levels are also higher in this section of the lake, meaning the majority of fish also live in this zone.
    • Profundal Zone: The profundal zone is the section that follows the Limnetic once the sunlight cannot penetrate the lake’s surface any further. The temperature in these waters is also significantly colder, as the warmth from the sun is unable to reach these depths. The water clarity and composition has a significant effect on how deep the sunlight is able to reach, and therefore the size and depth of the profundal layer will vary from lake to lake. There is also a decreased amount of oxygen in this region of the lake, so the amount of fish in this area is also significantly less.
    • Benthic Zone: The benthic zone is essentially the area along the floor of the lake. It consists over everything in the bottom of the body of water, including the sediment, silt, and soil which builds up at the bottom of the lake. At this lowest point, bacteria live and work to decompose and break down any organic matter which has fallen to the lake floor. Everything from deceased fish and animals to dead plants, or animal droppings. Older lakes have larger or increased benthic zones as there is a larger amount of matter to be decomposed.
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This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is often found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps. It experiences diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and has distinct zones, including the limnetic zone with shallow water and the prolimdal zone at the bottom. Which of the following aquatic ecosystems is best described by the above paragraph?a)Coral reefb)Freshwater ecosystemc)Mangrove swampd)Marine ecosystemCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is often found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps. It experiences diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and has distinct zones, including the limnetic zone with shallow water and the prolimdal zone at the bottom. Which of the following aquatic ecosystems is best described by the above paragraph?a)Coral reefb)Freshwater ecosystemc)Mangrove swampd)Marine ecosystemCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is often found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps. It experiences diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and has distinct zones, including the limnetic zone with shallow water and the prolimdal zone at the bottom. Which of the following aquatic ecosystems is best described by the above paragraph?a)Coral reefb)Freshwater ecosystemc)Mangrove swampd)Marine ecosystemCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for This aquatic ecosystem is characterized by its low salt content and is often found in ponds, lakes, bogs, and swamps. It experiences diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and has distinct zones, including the limnetic zone with shallow water and the prolimdal zone at the bottom. Which of the following aquatic ecosystems is best described by the above paragraph?a)Coral reefb)Freshwater ecosystemc)Mangrove swampd)Marine ecosystemCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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