Coastal plain pond
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| Source | Dan L. Perlman |
| Ecosystems | Wetlands, aquatic |
| Wetlands and aquatic | Lakes, ponds |
| Conservation | Endangered ecosystems |
| Lessons | Endangered ecosystems |
| Location | Cape Cod,Massachusetts,USA,North America |
Coastal plain pond, Massachusetts. Coastal plain ponds are relics of the last glaciation, over 12,000 years ago. These ponds formed when large blocks of ice were left behind, forming depressions, which later became ponds. A very interesting community of small flowering plants, such as the Thread-Leaved Sundew and the Plymouth Gentian, exist along the margins of these ponds. When the water is low, more habitat exists for these relatively rare plants. But if the water levels stay low for several years, pitch pines from around the pond begin to invade this new habitat, leaving no room for the small flowering plants. If, however, water levels fluctuate from year to year, the high water years will flood the roots of the young pines, killing them, and protecting the flowering plant habitat.
