Thus, light is a limiting factor that largely determines the abundance of a pond’s biotic components.

Gayatri Priyadarshini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsĪt the very base of the pond food chain are plants and microorganisms that rely on sunlight to survive. Primary Source of Energy in Ponds: Sunlight Many photosynthetic organisms compete with each other for sunlight in the water column. For example, when tadpoles become present in large numbers each spring, more predators can survive in the pond as a result of the increased availability of proteins. When a single level is disrupted, a cascade reaction can occur, resulting in significant changes in the abundance of other organisms and resources. Every link on this chain consists of a trophic level that is composed of biotic components. In all ecosystems, a food chain takes on a linear structure that has much to do with the size of each organism and its abundance. Even in freshwater ponds that are hardly larger than an oversized puddle, a distinct pattern of energy or food distribution applies. One of the most fascinating elements of an ecosystem is the food chain that governs the flow of energy. When a distinct set of patterns, some of which are readily observable, are present, an ecosystem is able to function and persist as a singular and complex unit.

In every natural environment, biological patterns exist to maintain a balance. 1.4 Typical Trends in Freshwater Food Chains A typical pond food chain is much more complex than simple predator-prey relationships.

Food chains diagrams