The researchers studied the types of tiny plants in Lake Ulungur over different seasons. They found 164 species of these plants, with green algae and diatoms being the most common. The number of plant species was highest in autumn and lowest in winter. Some plant species were dominant throughout the year, while others were only dominant in specific seasons. The amount of plants peaked in summer and was lowest in winter. Over the past 30 years, there have been significant changes in the types and numbers of these tiny plants in the lake, with green algae and diatoms increasing the most.