Winter Pond

This photo was taken while I was home last weekend in Benson, North Carolina. The constant cold temperatures had caused our man made pond to freeze over. Do cold periods interfere with a habitat that is accustomed to a warmer climate? How do the fish of the pond adapt to the sudden and long periods of cold waters? Do the smaller fish die off? This is an example of the ecological concept of climate change effecting a freshwater ecosystem during a winter season. This natural disturbance influences the temperature fluctuation of the surface water. This change in surface water temperatures therefore effects the organisms living below its surface. This pond is home to many turtles, small fish, pond skaters, tadpoles, frogs, and other insects. It occasionally is the temporary home to migrating geese. The ability for these organisms to adapt to the environmental change is vital to the species survival. Maintaining a habitat is fundamental to the conservation of a species, and if a species does not adapt to the changes of their habitat, then they will not survive.

 

Cite Referenced:

www.biodiversitybc.org/assets/pressReleases/BBCPrinciples...

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