Scribd
Upload
12 views4 pages

Projects

The document discusses phosphorus as the most limiting element in ecological systems due to its scarcity and difficulty for plants to access. It also discusses how the mode of origin influences a lake's ecological characteristics like water chemistry and species. Important aquatic ecosystems in Ethiopia are listed along with threats like deforestation and strategies like watershed management. The economic importance of these ecosystems to Ethiopia is also covered.

Uploaded by

tsemahlets18
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views4 pages

Projects

The document discusses phosphorus as the most limiting element in ecological systems due to its scarcity and difficulty for plants to access. It also discusses how the mode of origin influences a lake's ecological characteristics like water chemistry and species. Important aquatic ecosystems in Ethiopia are listed along with threats like deforestation and strategies like watershed management. The economic importance of these ecosystems to Ethiopia is also covered.

Uploaded by

tsemahlets18
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY

AQUATIC ECOLOGY AND EXPERIMENT GROUP


ASSIGNEMENT

Group members ID
1. Bamlak Samuel UGR/16826/11
2. Mahlet Ketema UGR/17328/11
3. Mahlet Sintayehu UGR/17329/11
4. Mina Esmael UGR/16943/11
5.Yohannes Desalegn UGR/17825/11
1. Of all the elements recycled in the biosphere, phosphorus is the
scarcest and therefore the one most limiting in any given ecological
system. Explain why?
Phosphorus is scarce in the biosphere because it is not as readily
available in its inorganic form as nitrogen and other essential elements
for plant growth. Phosphorus is also required in small amounts
compared to other elements and it is typically found in soil in a form that
plants have difficulty absorbing. Additionally, phosphorus is not easily
recycled in the biosphere because it is often tightly bound to soil
minerals and not readily soluble, making it difficult for plants to access.
This limits the growth of plants and the overall productivity of an
ecosystem, making phosphorus the most limiting factor in many
ecological systems.

2. Discuss how the mode of lakes origin influences their ecological


characteristics?
The mode of origin of a lake greatly influences its ecological
characteristics, such as water chemistry, depth, and surrounding
vegetation, as well as the types of species that can survive in the lake.

 Lakes formed by glacial activity typically have cold, clear water with
low nutrient levels and are surrounded by barren terrain. This results
in a limited number of species that can thrive in such conditions,
often including cold-water fish species and algae.
 Volcanic lakes, on the other hand, are characterized by high levels of
minerals and nutrients, which can result in abundant plant and
animal life. The warm water and unique chemistry of these lakes
often supports unique species that are not found elsewhere.
 Lakes formed by river damming or human activities, such as reservoir
creation, can have a range of ecological characteristics depending on
the water source, surrounding land use, and other factors. These
lakes may have varying water quality, depth, and temperature,
which can impact the types of species that can survive in the lake.

Overall, the mode of origin of a lake plays a significant role in


determining its ecological characteristics and the types of species that
can thrive in the lake.
3. List important lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs and wetlands of
Ethiopia and identify their locations. Write the greatest threats to these
aquatic ecosystems and suggest at least 4 threat mitigation strategies
required for conservation and management of these ecosystems.

Important Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Reservoirs and Wetlands of Ethiopia:

 Lake Tana: It is the largest lake in Ethiopia and is located in the


northwest of the country.
 Blue Nile River: It is the longest river in Ethiopia and is the main
tributary of the Nile.
 Awash River: It is located in the central-eastern part of the country
and is an essential source of water for irrigation and hydropower.
 Gibe III Dam is a large hydroelectric dam on the Omo River in
southern Ethiopia.
 Koka Reservoir is an artificial lake created for hydroelectric power
generation located near the city of Debre Zeit.
 Lake Langano: It is a freshwater lake located in the Rift Valley of
Ethiopia.
 Lake Turkana: It is a large, shallow lake on the border between
Ethiopia and Kenya.
 Wenchi Crater Lake: It is a volcanic crater lake located in central
Ethiopia.

Threats to these aquatic ecosystems:


 Deforestation and soil erosion: This leads to increased siltation and
decreased water quality.
 Overfishing: Overfishing leads to a decline in fish populations and
disrupts the food chain.
 Climate change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns
can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
 Agricultural and industrial pollutants: These can contaminate water
sources and harm aquatic life.

Threat mitigation strategies:


 Watershed management: This involves protecting and restoring
forests and another natural land cover to prevent soil erosion and
maintain water quality.
 Sustainable fishing practices: Implementing regulations and
management strategies to prevent overfishing and conserve fish
populations.
 Climate change adaptation: Taking steps to adapt to the impacts of
climate change, such as increasing the resilience of aquatic
ecosystems to changing water levels and temperatures.
 Pollution control: Implementing regulations and management
practices to prevent and control pollution from agriculture and
industry, including improving waste management and monitoring
water quality.

4. Discuss economic importance of Ethiopian aquatic ecosystems.

Ethiopian aquatic ecosystems have significant economic importance for


the country and its people. Some of the key ways in which these
ecosystems contribute to the economy include:

 Fisheries: The country's lakes and rivers provide an important source


of fish, which is both a valuable food source and an export
commodity.
 Agriculture: Ethiopian aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in
irrigation and the provision of water for agriculture, which is a major
contributor to the country's economy.
 Tourism: Ethiopia's abundant freshwater resources, including lakes
and rivers, provide opportunities for recreational activities such as
fishing, boating, and water sports, which can attract tourists and
generate revenue.
 Energy: Hydropower is a significant source of energy in Ethiopia, and
the country's rivers and lakes are important for hydroelectric power
generation.
 Biodiversity: Ethiopian aquatic ecosystems are home to a diverse
range of plant and animal species, some of which have important
economic value, such as medicinal plants.

You might also like