How old are ponds?

Ponds are ancient natural phenomena that have existed since the formation of the Earth. They are believed to have originated about 3.5 billion years ago, during the early stages of Earth's geological history. These early ponds were likely shallow bodies of water formed in depressions on the land's surface, filled with rainwater or water from rivers and streams that overflowed during periods of heavy rainfall. As the Earth's topography and hydrological systems evolved over billions of years, so did the characteristics and types of ponds. Today, we can find ponds in various ecosystems, ranging from small temporary pools to large permanent lakes.