Transcript EnvSci FRESHWATER WETLANDS

Freshwater wet lands
Kiora aurelien & Elmer Guevara
What are Freshwater Wetlands?
Freshwater wetlands are areas where standing freshwater covers the
soil of a area where the ground is very wet.
They are not connected to the ocean.
They are found along streams, lakes, and ponds.
Grasmere Lake
The types of Freshwater Lands
Marshes
Swamps
Marshes and Swamps
Marshes- low lying water that becomes wet after a high
tide or wet seasons. They usually form on low flat lands
and has no movement. The bottom of a marsh contains
nutrients, plants, decomposers, and scavengers.
Swamps- dominated by woody plants, such as trees.
They act as filters and absorb and remove pollutants.
Abiotic Factors
Sunlight – which is non living but is essential for
ecosystem providing as a energy resource.
Rocks- which is also non living and is located on the
bottom of the wetlands .
Air- non living; consist of many different kinds of gases
but most important are oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon
dioxide. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide
while plants inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Plants
Plant diversity occurs in the freshwater marshes.
Arrow argum.
They grow around late May,
early June and are dominant in
the many marshes.
Pontederia
Also known as pickerel weeds.
They can be found in shallow
water or mud.
Marsh hibiscus
It grows up to 12 feet tall and
usually begins to bloom in July
and dies in the beginning of
September.
Animals
The American alligator can be found in marshes and swamps. There are currently
found in the South East of the United States.
Birds are very common around freshwater wetlands. The American Bittern is one if
the common birds and is known for there "cry". They live in North America.
A common fish that's found in freshwater lands is Cape Lopez Lyretail. They live in
swamps and ditches in Africa.
A dwarf siren, known as being an eel like creature. They live in swamps and ditches
and travel with 2 feet with 3 toes each.
Animals
Cape Lopez
Dwarf siren
American bittern
Adaptations
The cape Lopez has made many adaptations to survive in the wetlands . It's most
interesting adaptation is the ability to lay eggs with a drought resistant membrane .
While the cape Lopez would die in a drought , the eggs resume growing once rain
returns .
The American bittern adaptation is blending into it's surroundings, if he sees a
predator he will stay motionless and imitate the reeds.
The dwarf siren adaptation is being able to survive long periods of drought by
burying itself and forming a caccoon.
Threats to biome
Wetlands are facing many threats by society .
Wetlands are being drained for commercial reasons , they are usually drained for
tourism facilities and agricultural land
Pollution also poses a huge threat to for the wetlands , the pollution affects the water
quality which has a big affect on the animals .
Recreational Activities
Zip lining
Canoeing
Bird watching
Interest points
The Florida Everglades which is the biggest marsh in the United States.
Interest point
The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist attraction that's known for the Colorado river
carving the canyon.
Average participation/ temperature
The amount of rainfall per year is 10-20 inches.
The temperature reaches to 72 degrees in
spring/summer. Then drops to 32 degrees in fall/winter.
Supplies needed…..
Bait ( for fishing )
Bathing suit
Scuba gear
Fishing pole
Warm clothes
Ice skates
Sled
Bug repellent
Wetlands being threatened
In New Zealand, the freshwater wetland is being
threatened. They are taking out sand and gravel which is
causing a difference of water levels. The wetlands are
being polluted by nutrients and sediments from nearby
farmlands. Lastly, the increase of animal ps and pets are
starting to effect the biome.
Endangered species
The Everglades Snail Kite is loosing its prey so therefore it's species is decreasing.
The Eastern Indigo snake.
The Floridan Panthers.
Impact of climate change
The climate is relatively warm in the spring/summer in
freshwater wetlands. These two seasons is when the
blooming of flowers begin to happen. If the climate were
to change it would effect the growth of the plants which
provides food for herbivores. Climate change can effect
the animals, plants , and overall ecosystem in an un
positive way.
Importance of freshwater wetlands
Freshwater wetlands are important because they are the
reason why flooding is more controlled due to the
sponge like cycle they provide. They release water at a
very slow rate too. The substance that freshwater
wetlands provides helps plants which is provided in the
water stream.
Citations
http://www.mbgnet.net/fresh/wetlands/why.htm
https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/southflorida/everglades/marshes/threatened.html
http://chloesfreshwaterfacts.weebly.com/freshwater-tourists-guide.html