Freshwater ecosystems are a subset of Earth's aquatic ecosystems that include the biological communities inhabiting freshwater waterbodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, springs, bogs, and wetlands. [1]

3 days ago · Freshwater ecosystems naturally share resources between habitats. The ecosystems in rivers and streams, for example, bring salts and nutrients from the mountains to lakes, ponds, and wetlands at lower elevations, and …

Lentic ecosystems can be compared with lotic ecosystems, which involve flowing terrestrial waters such as rivers and streams. Together, these two ecosystems are examples of freshwater ecosystems. Lentic systems are diverse, ranging from a small, temporary rainwater pool a few inches deep to Lake Baikal, which has a maximum depth of 1642 m. [2]

Nov 21, 2018 · Freshwater lake ecosystems are among the most valuable and heavily used natural systems worldwide, and they provide important ecosystem services to many millions of people 1,2.

Nov 6, 2023 · Freshwater ecosystems encompass lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. They provide essential services supporting human water security and biodiversity conservation. Freshwater ecology examines the physical, chemical, and biological components of these systems and their interactions.

Dec 2, 2024 · Freshwater ecosystems are vital components of our planet’s biosphere, teeming with life and providing essential resources for countless species, including humans. They represent a diverse array of aquatic environments, each with its own unique characteristics and ecological significance.

Freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes and wetlands have crucial roles in global biogeochemical cycles and in supporting human wellbeing through a variety of ecosystem services.

Feb 10, 2020 · Freshwaters are among the most dynamic, diverse, and complex ecosystems globally. Lakes, rivers, and ponds cover about 1% of the Earth’s surface; however, these systems contain 10% of all animals and one-third of all vertebrates.

Mar 18, 2025 · Part of the reason for the shortage is what experts call a worrying state of freshwater ecosystems, which along with lakes, rivers and wetlands include aquifers, mangrove forests and glaciers. A UNEP-backed report from 2024 found that nearly half the countries on Earth had at least one significant freshwater ecosystem in decline.

Lake ecosystems are complex environments that exist in various geographical settings, from forests to deserts, and are characterized by diverse life forms. These ecosystems can be classified into two main types: open lakes, which have flowing freshwater, and closed lakes, which are often salty due to evaporation processes. The biodiversity found in lakes includes a wide range of plants and ...