Lotic ecosystems

River ecosystems are prime examples of lotic ecosystems. Lotic refers to flowing water, from the Latinlotus, meaning washed. Lotic waters range from springs only a few centimeters wide to major rivers kilometers in width. Much of this article applies to lotic ecosystems in general, including related lotic systems such as streams and springs. Lotic ecosystems can be contrasted with lentic ecosystems, which involve relatively still terrestrial waters such as lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Lentic comes from the Latin lenis, meaning calm. Together, these two ecosystems form the more general study area of freshwater or aquatic ecology. There is no sharp boundary between the two systems, however.