Diversity of Microorganisms in Freshwater Ecosystems

Abstract

Diversity is a key factor in the stability of ecosystems (Baron et al. 2003). So, knowing what affects diversity is important knowledge regarding the maintenance of freshwater ecosystems all around the world. The factor we tested that effects diversity of microorganisms was temperature. We kept two freshwater samples in different climates, one in an ambient climate and the other a hot climate, 41 degrees Celsius, synthesized in an incubator.  What we discovered was the sample kept in a hot climate was overall more diverse than the sample kept at room temperature. This provides evidence that aquatic ecosystems in hotter climates are more diverse, and therefore more stable.