< Previous | Contents | Next >
♤ Like any organism, lakes are born as they originate by various geological and geomorphic events, and ‘grow’ with time to change in their various morphological and functional characteristics and eventually die.
♤ They receive their water from surface runoff (sometimes also groundwater discharge) and along with it various chemical substances and mineral matter eroded from the land.
♤ Over periods spanning millennia, ‘ageing’ occurs as the lakes accumulate mineral and organic matter and gradually, get filled up.
The nutrient-enrichment of the lakes promotes the growth of algae, aquatic plants and various fauna. This process is known as natural eutrophication.
Similar nutrient enrichment of lakes at an accelerated rate is caused by human activities (discharge of wastewaters or agricultural runoff) and the consequent ageing phenomenon is known as ‘cultural eutrophication’.
Do you know?
Poison Dart frogs live in rainforest habitats in Central and South America. They can be found in trees, as well as under leaves and logs and rocks on the floor of the forest. Because of their size, from ^ to 2 inches long, they are hard to see. Poison frogs warn predators with brilliant colors and patterns. There are many species of poison frogs that can be found in every color under the sun! They prey on invertebrates, especially certain ant species,
^which build up really strong poisons in the frog.