Aquatic Ecology I

Abstract

Structures and processes of freshwater ecosystems. Field techniques and analytical methods in limnology

Objective

• Trends in limnological research • General overview of methods used in limnological research • Basic physico-chemical conditions of streams and lakes and their interactions with aquatic biology • Knowledge of terminology • Analyzing complex problems like fish kills, “Schilfsterben”, extinction of species • Aesthetic appreciation of running waters • Familiarity with stream habitats • Dynamic processes of streams and lakes • General relationships between aquatic habitats and biota, bioindication • Relationship between humans and running waters

Content

1. Origin of lakes and their characteristics and zonation 2. The riverine landscape, hydrologic cycle 3. Physical and chemical conditions, nutrient cycling 4. Stream habitats, metabolic processes 5. River continuum concept, altitudinal zonation, floodplain ecology 6. Plankton diversity, Paradox of Plankton by Hutchinson 7. Lake assessment; Littoral module, biomonitoring methods 8. Serial discontinuity concept, organic matter processing, nutrient spiralling 9. Disturbance ecology, wildfire effects on streams 10. Anthropogenic impacts, dams, river conservation 11. Case studies of lake restoration 12. Food chains and biomanipulation in lakes

Resources