Ponds and small lakes support an extremely rich biodiversity of fascinating organisms. Many people have tried pond-dipping and encountered a few unfamiliar creatures, such as dragonfly nymphs and caddisfly larvae. However, there is a far richer world of microscopic organisms, such as diatoms, desmids, and rotifers, which is revealed in this book. Anyone with access to a microscope can open up this hidden dimension. Identification keys are provided so that readers can identify, explore, and study this microscopic world. There are also many suggestions of ways in which readers can then make original contributions to our knowledge and understanding of pond ecology.
The book not only explores the fascinating world of the creatures within ponds and their interactions, but also explains the many ways in which ponds are important in human affairs. Ponds are being lost around the world, but they are a key part of a system that maintains our climate. In the face of climate change, it has never been more important to understand the ecology of ponds.
Includes keys to: A—Traditional key to kingdoms of organisms; B—Contemporary key to kingdoms of organisms; C—Pragmatic key to groups of microorganisms; D—Algae visible, at least en masse, to the naked eye; E—Periphyton, both attached to surfaces and free living; F-Protozoa; G-Freshwater invertebrates and; H—Common phytoplankton genera in ponds.
"...this is an excellent guide to its subject from an expert sadly no longer with us. Professor Moss has left us many excellent works on freshwater ecology and this one will be a worthy addition."
Ian Lancaster
"It is a brief modern insight into freshwater ecology and limnology aimed at a wide non-specialist audience. I am convinced that this handbook will prove to be an extremely helpful source of information, not only for people with an interest in water microorganisms and ecology, but also students dealing with different groups of freshwater macro organisms (e.g., especially students of the biology an
M. Papáček
"I find this book does a great job of bridging the gap between an ecology text book (that can feel a little dry and isolated, and is aimed at helping the student pass a module rather that rolling up their sleeves and getting into nature) and the field guide that helps the naturalist identify what they have found but only provides limited understanding of the ecosystem as a whole."
