Day 2: Gathering the info

There are a lot of algae, moss, and plants that grow along the river. The freshwater nearby clearly stimulates their growth by supplying water and nutrients. Since the river is usually open to sunlight, these plants and algae can then change the energy from the sun into sources of energy for other organisms.

N.d. Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/monitoring/biomonitoring/images/images_current/algaewetlands_pemaquidrvr1.jpg>.

Additionally, there are many consumers at the freshwater rivers and streams. Echinoidea and smaller crustaceans swarm the bottoms of rivers. Fish, if the oxygen level is suitable, such as salmon, trout, bass, and catfish will feed on smaller fish as well as the smaller organisms. Ducks, swans, and eagles above the water also feed on fish smaller than them as well as plants. Finally, bears are major consumers and will feed on the fish in the river as the fish swim by. Here is a picture that can show the organisms as well as the food cycle. The first is in slightly deeper water while the second is in shallower waters.

N.d. Cary Institute. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://www.caryinstitute.org/sites/default/files/public/downloads/curriculum-project/FRESHWATER_CHANNEL_food_web.jpg>.

N.d. Cary Institute. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://www.caryinstitute.org/sites/default/files/public/downloads/curriculum-project/FRESH_WATER_SHALLOWS_food_web.jpg>.

The dirty work, decomposing, is done by the bacteria, fungi, and very small crustaceans. Bacteria will usually break down all organic matter in the water, making it a major decomposer. Fungi will decompose the wood that is around or in the rivers and streams. Finally, the smaller crustaceans will sometimes eat smaller dead organisms as a source of food.

Unfortunately, the dominant organisms, the humans, are polluting the river water and increasing the amount of salt in the water. Most rivers also have water wells and dams to collect the freshwater for their own use. In my opinion, we should be negotiating (attacking) as soon as possible before these foolish monkeys ruin their freshwater.

N.d. Jakarta. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://media.commercialappeal.com/media/img/photos/2011/03/22/APTOPIX_Indonesia_World_Wat_t607.JPG>.