Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, and Eutrophic Lakes

Ecological succession is the observable change in an ecological community over time. Oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic lakes can reveal approximately how old a lake is and how it has changed with the passage of time.

Oligotrophic lakes are the youngest lakes. They have clear water with little nutrients, few animals, and sparse vegetation.

Mesotrophic are middle-aged. They have a moderate amount of nutrients and vegetation, as well as a diverse and increasing animal population.

Eutrophic lakes are the oldest and illustrate advanced stages of ecological succession. They have cloudy, muddy water with high amounts of plants, animals,and nutrients.

It is important to know these terms in the study of freshwater ecology because ecological communities change as time progresses. My aquarium, with a single fish, clear water, and a couple of plants, is oligotrophic. Lewisville Lake, on the other hand, is eutrophic because it is dense with plants, animals, and nutrients.