Question

Describe (in detail) similarities and differences in pond structure between Green Library and OE Ponds. Choose one abiotic and one biotic factor that affects primary productivity. In the context of your results, explain how these factors affect photosynthesis and respiration as well as Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP).

Green library pond: Is bigger, more space for species, minimum shade, recives a lot of light, water is more clear (assuming less disposal of nutirents.

OE pond: Is smaller, less space for species, a lot of shade/ almost no sun exposure, water is dark (assuming more nutrient disposal.

Answer 1

Green library pond: Is bigger, more space for species, minimum shade, receives a lot of light, water is more clear (assuming less disposal of nutrients.

OE pond: Is smaller, less space for species, a lot of shade/ almost no sun exposure, water is dark (assuming more nutrient disposal.

An abiotic factor is light transmission. The water column is divided into photic and aphotic zones. In the photic zone, water penetration is higher and plants under photosynthesis here. In contrast, the aphotic zones receive less light and respiration exceeds photosynthesis here. Ligh transmission enhances gross primary production. Thus in OE ponds, as respiration exceeds photosynthesis, the net primary production will be relatively lower than Green libraries.

Phytoplankton is a biotic factor that affects primary productivity. Phytoplankton is algae suspended in the water column and they tend to dominate at various level of lake productivity. They obtain energy through photosynthesis resulting in high net and gross primary productivity in their presence.