Environmental Science (2+1)

Ecological classification of lentic ecosystem

• Producers: Macro vegetation (large plants), Micro vegetation (plankton)
• Consumers: Macro consumers (insects, fishes), Micro consumers (crustacean)
• Decomposers: Bacteria, fungi.

Organisms in fresh water may also be classified based on their habitat and also the zones at which they are found.

• Benthos: This includes organisms found in the bottom of fresh waters. Eg. Fresh water mussel, fresh water snail.
• Periphyton (Aufurichs): This includes organisms which are found attached to the stems and leaves of plants. Eg. Insect larvae.
• Plankton: It includes both phytoplankton (algae) and zooplankton (crustacean)
• Nekton: These include organisms which swim or actively move about in fresh waters. Eg. Aquatic insects, fishes and amphibians.
• Neuston: These are organisms which swim or rest on the surface. Eg. Surface feeders.