Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic and Eutrophic

September 9—Find pictures online of oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes.  Relate these terms to the concept of ecological succession.  How are these terms helpful in the study of freshwater ecology?  Which term describes your aquarium/bottle?  Lewisville Lake?

Ecological succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. 

The terms oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic can be used to determine the age of lake. Basins with infertile soils release relatively little nitrogen and phosphorus leading to less productive lakes, classified as oligotrophic. Mesotrophic lakes have a medium amount of PAN, informing scientists that the lake is medium in age. Eutrophic lakes have the highest amount of PAN. Scientists can determine that eutrophic lakes are the oldest of all the lakes.

Degraded ponds and lakes by understanding this knowledge can help with targeting the 'source'of the problem, not just its 'symptoms,' the need for harmful chemicals can lesson, saving money and time.

  In my aquarium, it would be considered mesotrophic while in Lewisville lake would be considered eutrophic. This is due to the fact that Lewisville Lake has very murky brownish water that you can hardly see only a few feet down, with sediment building up much along the lakes and floor. In my tank it is fairly clear and able to see through but does have the thermocline present and established plants that create necessary nutrients.