Question

In a pond ecosystem the rate of function of entire pond is regulated by

• A. Day-length and other climatic conditions
• B. The solar input
• C. All of the above
• D. The cycle of temperature

Answer 1

The correct option is C All of the above

Functions of a pond ecosystem
A pond ecosystem exhibits all four basic functions of the ecosystem i.e. productivity, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and energy flow. The rate of these functions is affected by factors such as solar input, temperature cycle, day-length, and other climatic conditions.

The solar input
The solar input determines the productivity of the producers in the pond ecosystem. Productivity of an ecosystem refers to the rate at which organic matter/biomass (total mass of all living organisms of a particular type in a given area at a given time) is produced per unit area.

The cycle of temperature
The cycle of temperature regulates the water temperature of the pond. Water temperature greatly affects the metabolic rates and photosynthetic ability of aquatic organisms in the pond, which would again have an impact on functions such as productivity, decomposition rate, nutrient cycling, etc.

Day-length and other climatic conditions
Day-length affects the growth of plants which would indirectly affect photosynthetic productivity. Climatic conditions affect water temperature which would again have an impact on productivity, decomposition rate, nutrient cycling, etc.

Final answer
(D) All of the above