The lotic ecosystems They are river currents that are characterized by being fast and in constant movement. An example of these ecosystems are rivers and streams.
In these river currents live a large number of microorganisms that work as producers and consumers. River currents and microorganisms, viewed macroscopically, make up the lotic ecosystem.
As such, river systems are classified into lentic systems (such as lakes or hot springs) and the aforementioned lotic system. Both ecosystems are in constant change, they can be destroyed by natural or human interactions.
They have slight variations in their structure that will depend on climatic changes. They can be blocked, filled, drained or even infected by some invasive species.
That is, the current follows a single course. In general, these currents originate from erosions and / or depressions in the earth's crust that create paths through which the water will always run in one direction..
This results in light penetrating the bottom of the river with great difficulty. This will make it difficult for some species of algae and microorganisms to survive at the bottom of the river that depend on the sun's rays..
It occurs as the terrain loses altitude and, consequently, the waters become less cloudy. In conclusion, the river is still.
When the river becomes still, the water temperature increases gradually, the concentration of oxygen decreases and sediments are deposited at the bottom of the river, which is known as "silt".
They come for example directly from the mountains or by filtration of the earth's crust.
The waters of lotic ecosystems have a high concentration of oxygen and this makes them ideal for the survival of some species of fish..
These enter river currents through land erosion and the transport of particles from neighboring surfaces..
Due to the hydrodynamic and gaseous characteristics of lotic systems, certain fish and microorganisms are affected. These microorganisms will benefit from the large amount of oxygen and nutrients in the water of these ecosystems..
As a consequence of the low penetration of solar rays to the bottom of these systems and the aggressive currents, microorganisms and algae must have the ability to adhere to the surface of the rocks..
Such is the case of diatoms and mucilaginous cyanophytes, which are photosynthetic algae. These organisms adhere to the surface of rocks and form communities, becoming the main producers of the lotic ecosystem..
You can also get some insect larvae that have hydrodynamic morphological qualities and hook-like organs that will allow them to move through strong currents and adhere to rocky surfaces..
A classic example of fish that prefer lotic systems is trout. These fish can be affected by the low oxygen level and the abundant sediment of the lentic systems because they can clog their gills..
For this reason, they live in constant migration towards turbid waters such as the lotic system..
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