Size doesn't always matter

Compared to lakes, ponds tend to be shallow, calm bodies of water with mud on the bottom. Water temperature does not tend to change with depth. Plant roots can reach the pond bottom in most places. Over time, plants can fill in the pond, turning it into a marsh.

Ponds provide habitat for amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, reptiles such as snakes and turtles, aquatic insects and fish. Many types of ducks and geese feed on pond vegetation. There is often a rich assortment of microscopic organisms in a pond.

Central North America contains countless small wet depressions known as prairie potholes which are critical habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.

Pond links

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