What is characteristic of lotic ecosystems?

Lotic ecosystems are those characterized by flowing water. This includes rivers, streams, and brooks, where the movement of water plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and biological characteristics of the environment. The continuous flow influences the habitat structure, nutrient transport, oxygen availability, and the types of organisms that can thrive there.

In such ecosystems, the dynamics of flowing water create diverse habitats that support a wide range of aquatic life, from fish to insects, each adapted to specific conditions of flow, depth, and substrate. The constant movement can lead to an increase in oxygen levels in the water, which is vital for many aquatic organisms. This flowing characteristic distinguishes lotic systems from lentic environments, which contain still water, such as lakes or ponds.

The option of limited biodiversity would be incorrect as many lotic systems are rich in species, influenced by their environmental dynamics. Similarly, highly stagnant water is not a feature of lotic ecosystems, as stagnation indicates a lack of movement, which is characteristic of lentic systems. Hence, the defining feature of lotic ecosystems is indeed the presence of flowing water.