Consider the following statements regarding an aquatic ecosystem :

(1) The shallow water zone around the edge of the lake is the littoral zone.

(2) Limnetic zone is the open zone where phytoplankton grows in abundance

(3) Profundal zone is the dark zone where the light cannot reach.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 4: 1, 2 and 3

Key Points

• Statement 1: The shallow water zone around the edge of the lake is known as the littoral zone. This is where aquatic plants grow, and it supports a diverse range of organisms.
• Statement 2: The limnetic zone is the open water area, typically where phytoplankton thrive due to abundant sunlight, and it supports a variety of organisms such as zooplankton and fish.
• Statement 3: The profundal zone is the deep, dark part of the lake where light does not penetrate. It is characterized by low oxygen levels and is home to organisms adapted to these conditions.

Important Points

• The three zones (littoral, limnetic, and profundal) represent different layers of the aquatic ecosystem, each with distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
• Phytoplankton primarily grows in the limnetic zone, where sunlight is abundant and supports the primary producers of the ecosystem.

Additional Information

• Littoral Zone: It is the area near the shore, rich in biodiversity, where many organisms like algae, amphibians, and aquatic insects are found.
• Limnetic Zone: It extends beyond the littoral zone and is characterized by open water where sunlight can penetrate, enabling phytoplankton to photosynthesize.
• Profundal Zone: This zone is deeper and lacks sunlight, making it colder and oxygen-deprived. It supports organisms adapted to low-light and low-oxygen conditions.