Pond is a shallow water body which is having all the four basic components of an ecosystem.
- Abiotic components : Water with dissolved inorganic and organic substances and the rich soil deposited at the bottom of the pond.
- Biotic components involve :
A. Autotrophs- Phytoplankton, some algae and the floating, submerged and marginal plants found at the edges.
B. Consumers- Zooplanktons, the free swimming and bottom dwelling forms.
C. Decomposers- Fungi, bacteria and flagellates (usually abundant at the sea floor).
- Pond is a self-sustainable unit.