Which type of lake is considered the least productive?

Oligotrophic lakes are characterized by low nutrient levels, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which results in low biological productivity. These lakes typically have a high oxygen content throughout the water column, and they support fewer organisms, particularly phytoplankton. The clear water in oligotrophic lakes is a result of the limited nutrients available for algae and other aquatic plants to thrive. In contrast, eutrophic lakes have high nutrient levels and are highly productive, often leading to abundant plant and algae growth. Mesotrophic lakes lie somewhere in between in terms of nutrient levels and productivity, while hypereutrophic lakes are excessively rich in nutrients, leading to high productivity but also potential problems such as algal blooms. Thus, the distinction of oligotrophic lakes being the least productive aligns with their low nutrient content and the resultant limited biological activity.