Question

Compare and contrast the main types of freshwater ecosystems. Also, name and describe the major zones of a typical Minnesota lake.

Answer 1

The main types of freshwater ecosystems are listed below,

1. Lakes and ponds
2. Rivers
3. Streams
4. Wetlands and swamps

Ponds and lakes vary in their size and location. They have three different layers. Rivers and streams originate either by melting snow or springs. The water is more cleaner and clearer at their beginning and contains more oxygen content. Wetlands includes swamps and marshes.

The three major zones of a typical Minnesota lake are littoral zone, limnetic zone and profundal zone.