Ponds

• What is one human pressure affecting ponds?

  Excessive water abstraction
• What is a consequence of excessive water abstraction?

  Spring fed ponds dry up
• What is eutrophication?

  Pollution caused by nutrient overload
• What causes eutrophication?

  Poor management of nutrients
• What is one impact of invasive species on ponds?

  Disruption of local ecosystems
• What are the stages of pond succession (hydrosere)?

  1. Open water - microorganisms and plankton
  2. Rooted plants - sediment accumulation
  3. Swam stage - emergent plants for photosynthesis
  4. Marsh stage - yellow Iris and willow seedlings
  5. Woodland stage - drier soil, oak and beech establishment
• What occurs during the open water stage of pond succession?

  Microorganisms and plankton thrive
• How does sediment affect the rooted plants stage in pond succession?

  It decreases water depth, allowing plant growth
• What happens in the swam stage of pond succession?

  Emergent plants grow above water for photosynthesis
• Which plant may continue to grow in the marsh stage?

  Yellow Iris
• What effect do willows have on soil in the woodland stage?

  High transpiration rate dries out the soil
• What is the Million Ponds Project?

  A 50-year initiative for pond conservation
• What is the aim of the Million Ponds Project?

  To create 1 million ponds within BAP
• What was Phase 1 of the Million Ponds Project?

  2012-2020 funding and training stakeholders
• Why are ponds important for biodiversity?

  They support over 100 UK BPA priority species
• Which amphibians are provided homes by ponds?

  Crested Newt and Common Toad
• What percentage of ponds in the UK are considered 'poor' or 'very poor'?

  80%
• How many ponds have been lost in the last 100 years?

  500,000 ponds
• What are some reasons for the loss of ponds?

  Urban development, land use change, agricultural drainage
• What are the abiotic factors in ponds?

  • Temperature
  • Water flow
  • Salinity
  • Dissolved oxygen
• What habitats can be found in ponds?

  1. Shore - rocky areas with limited plant growth
  2. Surface film - organisms skimming the surface
  3. Open water - phytoplankton and zooplankton
  4. Pond bottom - nesting environments for various species
• What type of organisms grow in the open water habitat?

  Phytoplankton and zooplankton
• What is found in the pond bottom habitat?

  Nesting environments for earthworms and snails
• What type of bottom is found in deeper pond areas?

  Muddy bottoms
• What organisms are found in deeper pond areas?

  Flatworms and dragonfly nymphs
• What type of plants grow in the shore habitat?

  Grasses and algae
• What type of fauna can be found in ponds?

  Birds, small fish, amphibians, insects
• How do reeds and bulrushes contribute to pond ecosystems?

  They provide habitat and food for various species
• What is the significance of sunlight penetration in ponds?

  It allows plants to grow at the bottom