Wetlands are a type of ecosystem that is characterized by the presence of water on or near the surface of the earth. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Wetlands can be found all around the world, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Some wetlands are large and expansive, while others may be very small and isolated.
- The term "wetland" includes a variety of different types of ecosystems, such as marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and more.
- Marshes are wetlands that are dominated by grasses, sedges, and other non-woody plants. They tend to have shallow water depths and are often found along rivers or coastlines.
- Swamps are wetlands that are characterized by trees and shrubs that can grow in standing water. They often occur in low-lying areas where water accumulates, such as floodplains or alongside slow-moving streams.
- Bogs are wetlands that have acidic, nutrient-poor soil and are dominated by sphagnum mosses. They often occur in areas with high rainfall or where groundwater is close to the surface.
- Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are adapted to living in waterlogged conditions. They also serve important ecosystem functions, such as filtering pollutants from water, storing carbon, and providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
