WHAT IS A LOTIC ECOSYSTEM? - BIOLOGY - 2025

The aquatic ecosystems are streams which are characterized by being fast and be in constant motion. 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. Fluvial currents and microorganisms, viewed macroscopically, make up the lotic ecosystem.

Lotic Ecosystem (River)

As such, river systems are classified into lentic systems (such as lakes or hot springs) and the aforementioned lotic system. Both ecosystems are constantly changing, 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.

Characteristics of lotic ecosystems

Its current is unidirectional

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.

The waters are in constant motion and are murky

This results in the 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.

The water currents are progressively slowing down

It occurs as the terrain loses altitude and, consequently, the waters become less cloudy. In conclusion, the river is still.

Longitudinal changes occur

When the river becomes still, the water temperature increases gradually, the oxygen concentration decreases and sediments are deposited at the bottom of the river, which is known as "silt".

These waters come from various sources

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.

It acquires part of its nutrients from the earth's surface

These enter the river currents through land erosion and the transport of particles from neighboring surfaces.

Microorganisms and fish found in the lotic system

Lotic ecosystem

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 scarce penetration of solar rays to the bottom of these systems and to 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 level of oxygen 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 those of the lotic system.

References

1. Asthana, DK (2001). Environment: Problems and Solutions. Chand Publishing.
2. Bermejo, MI (nd). Enciclonet. Retrieved on August 10, 2017, from the lotic or fluvial ecosystem (rivers and streams): enciclonet.com
3. Elosegi, A. (2009). Concepts and techniques in river ecology. Caracas: BBVA Foundation.
4. Sarmiento, FO (2000). Ecology dictionary: landscapes, conservation and sustainable development for Latin America. Abya Yala.
5. Servia, MJ (nd). Ecology of inland waters. Retrieved on August 10, 2017, from ceres.udc.es