We do not clean ponds or lakes but an aquarium needs to be cleaned regularly. Why?
We do not clean ponds or lakes but an aquarium needs to be cleaned regularly. Why?
An aquarium is an artificial (man-made) and incomplete ecosystem, whereas ponds and lakes are natural and complete ecosystems:
- Absence of Decomposers: Natural ecosystems like ponds and lakes contain a complete food web, including a diverse population of decomposers (bacteria and fungi). These decomposers naturally break down organic waste, dead organisms, and fish excreta into simple inorganic substances, cleaning the water naturally. In contrast, an aquarium usually lacks a sufficient population of decomposers to clean the waste.
- Self-Sustaining Nature: Ponds and lakes are self-sustaining and self-regulating. An aquarium is not self-sustaining; the accumulation of uneaten food, fish excreta, and toxic ammonia can quickly reach dangerous levels, harming the aquatic life. Therefore, an aquarium needs regular cleaning, water filtration, and manual water changes to maintain a healthy environment.
Marking Scheme
- 1Classifying pond/lake as a natural/complete ecosystem and aquarium as an artificial/incomplete ecosystem: 1 mark
- 2Explaining the role of decomposers in natural ecosystems and their absence/insufficiency in aquariums leading to waste accumulation: 1 mark
Hint
Think about the role of decomposers (bacteria and fungi) in a natural ecosystem versus an artificial, man-made setup like an aquarium.
Quick Oral Answer
Ponds are natural, self-sustaining ecosystems with decomposers that clean up organic waste. Aquariums are artificial, incomplete ecosystems lacking sufficient decomposers, so waste accumulates and must be cleaned manually.
Analysis & Explanation
Natural ecosystems have a balanced cycle of matter where producers, consumers, and decomposers interact to recycle nutrients and clean up waste. Artificial ecosystems like aquariums are highly simplified, lack natural decomposer communities, and have high stocking densities of fish, leading to rapid waste accumulation that must be managed artificially.
Common Mistakes
- 1Only mentioning that 'aquariums get dirty' without explaining the ecological reason (lack of decomposers and self-sustainability).
- 2Forgetting to use key terms like 'artificial ecosystem', 'natural ecosystem', and 'decomposers'.
Interesting Facts
Some advanced aquariums, called 'bio-active' or 'balanced' aquariums, use live plants and specialized substrate bacteria to mimic natural ecosystems, reducing the frequency of manual cleaning!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2023?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Ecosystems" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper.