Abstract: Pond is small hydrostatic water body commonly seen on land, with the characteristics of small area, shallow water body, large quantity and wide distribution. Pond is an important type of terrestrial freshwater ecosystem. However, the functions of ponds are often ignored due to the difficulty in spatial identification. Here, we reviewed the research progress of pond systems at home and abroad, clarified the basic concept related with pond, and discussed the abiotic factors, biological factors and environmental relations of pond systems. Based on the discussion of the ecological function of the pond, we propose that: (1) The material circulation rate of the pond system is high, and the water body is often purified by oxidation pond, with consequences on carbon and nitrogen cycling in the global terrestrial system; (2) Pond group system is an important habitat for sustaining regional biodiversity. Species area relationship, habitat heterogeneity, and adjacent ecosystem characteristics are the main factors driving biodiversity in pond ecosystems; (3) As a surface depression system, pond has the function of water and soil conservation, with remarkable effect on sediment and rainwater harvesting. We propose three aspectsdeserved more attention in the future research: biogeochemical cycle characteristics of pond system under changing environment; background data accumulation and maintenance mechanism of biodiversity, and the application of water and soil conservation in ecological restoration project. Pond ecosystem is an important ecosystem to respond to future environmental changes.