Final answer:
The littoral zone of Lake Erie is the shoreline area with enough sunlight penetration for aquatic plants to grow, supporting high biodiversity and being part of the lake's productive upper layer in the summer with a variety of wildlife.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of the littoral zone of Lake Erie is that it is the shore area where sunlight can penetrate all the way to the sediment and allow aquatic plants to grow. This zone typically contains high biodiversity because of the availability of sunlight, nutrients, and a substrate for plants to root. The littoral zone supports a variety of organisms including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other wildlife that form the base of the food web in the aquatic ecosystem.
Temperature plays a significant role in the distribution of organisms within the lake. During summer, thermal stratification can occur, leading to a well-lit and warm upper layer, which is conducive to life. Beneath this layer is the profundal zone, which is cooler and darker, supporting a different set of organisms including decomposing bacteria that break down dead material settling from above.