Ecological Dynamics and Characteristics of Mountain Lakes: Insights Into Diversity and Understanding Phytoplankton Resilience

Mountain lakes are high‐altitude ecosystems where cold temperatures, strong sunlight, high solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and low nutrient availability create challenging conditions for aquatic life. Despite these stresses, phytoplankton persist and act as important primary producers.

This review summarises current knowledge about their diversity, ecological roles, and the physiological strategies that allow them to survive and maintain productivity in these extreme environments. Studies show that phytoplankton rely on key adaptations such as enhanced photoprotection, metabolic adjustments to low temperatures, and efficient nutrient use. Environmental gradients, especially those associated with altitude, strongly influence community structure and activity.

Phytoplankton in mountain lakes also produce stress‐induced metabolites with potential value for applied science. Understanding their ecological importance requires integrated research combining environmental, molecular, and modelling approaches.