Freshwater Lakes. By: Emma and Jon

Location: Our biome is freshwater lakes. They are located throughout the globe. Some in more areas than other but they still remain common around the world.

Climate: Average Temp: 22-0 degrees Celsius Precipitation: Varies depending on region Influence on climate: In Summer energy is stored in the lake then released in Fall, leading to milder winters. In Fall/Spring rapid air mass movement creates winds. As temperature drops there is an increase in storms.

Plant Adaptation: Water Lily & Floating Heart- Firm leaves but flexible enough to resist tearing by wave action. Developed air chambers for buoyancy. Cattails- Filter runoff, help prevent erosion. Well developed leaf mesophyll and waxy cuticle.

Animal Adaptation: Catfish--Trout--Salmon -Have well developed kidneys for water to go through -Gills must be able to diffuse water while keeping salts of bodily fluids inside

Soil: Soil Quality- tends to be very high in nutrients (if not polluted) and organic matter Soil Type: Varies depending on region. The acidity of the freshwater lake is determined by the soil surrounding it.

Economic Value: People depend on freshwater lakes and rivers for many things. Fishing, fresh water, transportation are among many.

Human Disturbance: Agricultural runoff greatly affects the health of lakes. A great example would be the Great Lakes which were devastated by industrial waste that was dumped. The introduction of invasive species such as the zebra muscle have harmed biodiversity of freshwater lakes.

California Freshwater Shrimp (Syncaris Pacifica)

Key Characteristics: - found in Napa, Sonoma, and Marine counties North of San Francisco Bay -Swims among submerged roots and other vegetation at low elevations - Juvenile shrimp feed on fish carcasses and others on decomposing vegetation

Causes of Endangerment: -Channel of stream is straightened to control flooding -When trees among banks are cleared - Introduction of non-native predators -Chemical releases All of which have to do with the shrimp’s natural habitat being harmed

Level of Endangerment: In the past years there have been improvements concerning these shrimp. They were once found in 17 streams and now they are found in 23. In 1991 there were 1,878 and in 2000 there were 4,407. There is still a lot of work to be done.

Recovery Plan: The best thing we can do for the shrimp is to restore their natural environment. Their habitats need to stay in tact if there is any chance for survival. So we need to continue restoring and preventing the damage that has taken place in the past.

Environmental Law The Great Lakes Binational Toxic Strategy was formed in It targets AOC’s (Areas of Concern) in the Great Lakes. There are 43 total It has reached 12 of it’s 17 goals in 10 years The main focus is to clean up AOCs and prevent future destruction