Lessons on the Lake: Ecosystems in Delicate Balance

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ecosystems

Each step in the FOOD CHAIN contains appropriate numbers of organisms	If one group becomes too numerous, the chain becomes UNBALANCED
Each step in the FOOD CHAIN contains appropriate numbers of organisms	For example, agricultural runoff creates a SURPLUS of nutrients which can cause sudden INCREASES in algae growth
Each step in the FOOD CHAIN contains appropriate numbers of organisms	Too much algae blocks sunlight from reaching vascular plants
Each step in the FOOD CHAIN contains appropriate numbers of organisms	Too few plants means LESS FOOD for herbivores
	Less herbivores means LESS FOOD for primary consumers, etc.
	As the chain becomes more and more UNBALANCED, the likelihood of ECOSYSTEM COLLAPSE is increased

	HOME \| SITE MAP \| ABOUT \| CHAPTER LIST \| FOR TEACHERS \| FOR STUDENTS \| FIELD TRIPS \| TURTLE COVE \| GLOSSARY \| SEARCH \| LINKS \| CONTACT This is a project of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Act in cooperation with The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with Southeastern Louisiana University

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ecosystems