Case study : Lake Baikal in Russia
Lake Baikal , the world ’ s oldest and deepest freshwater lake , curves for nearly 400 miles through south-eastern Siberia , north of the Mongolian border . On world heritage list
Functioning Describe the functioning of the ecosystem
( animals , plant , biophysical interactions ).
Plants
• There are about 3500 species of plants and animals in Lake Baikal and about 84 % of them are endemics , which means that they can be found in Baikal only . According to the scientists ’ research there are even more unknown species , as new varieties of organisms and plants are continuously developing in the lake .
• Baikal has more than 1000 species of aquatic flora ! Besides the algae , about 20 species of flowering plants have been found here .
Animals
• The most famous endemic of the lake is a fresh-water seal , locally called “ nerpa ”. It has always been of great interest . Nerpa lives up to 55-60 years , while the average age of other seals from European lakes is only 30-35 years . It can stay under the water for about 70 minutes .
• Plant and animal life in the lake is rich and various . There are between 1,500 and 1,800 animal species at different depths
• There are some 50 species of fish , belonging to seven families ; the most numerous of these are the 25 species