Stream Ecosystem
• A stream is a general term as a small channel of freshwater that contains flowing water.
• Oxygen and nutrient content are uniform
• They carry sediments, nutrients and other materials into rivers and lakes and on to the ocean.
• they do not suffer from oxygen deficiency as pond and lake organisms.
• This is because large surface area of running water provides more oxygen supply.
Structure
Abiotic Factors
- Temperature
- Sunlight levels
- pH level of the water
- Vitamins and minerals in the water
- Water clarity
Biotic Factors
Biotic factors are all of the living things and factors within an ecosystem.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are three key and dominant biotic factors that make up a stream ecosystem: fish, invertebrate species and algae.
- Biotic Factor: Algae
- Algae is perhaps the most important biotic factor .
- Invertebrate species that are important to freshwater ecosystems like streams generally include earthworm, leeches, water beetles, mayflies, dragonflies, mussels and more
- Fish Species
- Fish species are another critical biotic factor that make up stream communities. These fish will eat both the algae and the invertebrate species in the water.
- Other animal species common in streams include crayfish, spiders, frogs, water snakes and bird species (ducks, kingfishers, etc
Types
1.Perennial streams flow all year long .
2.seasonal streams are only seen at certain times of year, usually in wet season or as a result of snow or ice melting.
3.Continuous streams flow without stopping until they reach an endpoint or another body of water.
4.Interrupted steams, may have breaks or different reaches depending on seasonality, barriers and other factors
