Wetlands
Chapter 1 Section 4 Water
• A wetland is a land area that is covered with a shallow
layer of water during some or all of the year
• Common types of wetlands are:
A. Marshes- grassy area covered by shallow water or a
stream
B. Swamps- flooded forests with trees and shrubs
sprouting from the water. Most are located in warm,
humid climates
C. Bogs- form in depressions left by melting ice sheets
thousands of years ago. They are found in cooler
climates and usually have moss and colorful flowers in
them.
Marshes
• Grassy area covered by shallow water
Swamps
• Flooded forests with trees and shrubs
• Warm, humid climates
Bogs
• Has moss and colorful flowers
• Cooler climates
Characteristics of Wetlands
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•
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Help control flooding
Provide a habitat for many species
Coastal wetlands contain both salt and
fresh water
Vary in size-can be as small as a
roadside ditch or cover as much area as
a city
Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades
• The Everglades are a unique region of
wetlands
• The Everglades stretch from Lake
Okeechobee to the Florida Bay
• The Everglades are known as the “River of
Grass” due to the tall, sharp edged blades
of sawgrass that grow in the water
Sawgrass in the Everglades
Everglades Wildlife
• Fish, snakes, wading birds, flamingos, white
egrets, gallinules, raccoons, and alligators are
just a few species that make up the Everglades
• The Everglades also provide habitats for many
rare and endangered species such as:
a. Florida Panther
b. Wood Stork
c. Roseate Spoonbill
d. Manatee
Endangered Wildlife at the
Everglades
• Florida Panther
• Manatee
Everglades Wildlife
• Scientists are working to preserve the
Everglades because many endangered
species live there
Wood Stork
Roseate Spoonbill
Everglades Wildlife
•
Threats to the Everglades
Some human activities that are threatening the
Everglades are:
• a. Farming –has introduced new chemicals into the
water which has upset the balance of nutrients
• b. Developments -areas of the wetland are being taken
over to build homes and roads
• c. Introduction of new species -new organisms brought
into the area accidentally or for pest control complete
with other organisms for space and food
Introduction of new plant species in the EvergladesExamples
Melaleuca quinquenerviaan Evergreen tree from
Australia
Problems it is causing: It grows
extremely fast, displaces
native plants, diminishes
animal habitats, and provide
little food for wildlife
Lygodium microphyllum -known as
Old World Climbing Tree from
Asia, Africa, and Australia
Problems it is causing: this tree forms
thick, dense, spongy mats that are
slow to decompose and exclude
native understory plants. It can
also take over native trees and
fatally trap small and medium size
animals
Introduction of new animal species in the EvergladesExamples
Python molurus bivittatus Burmese python- Imported
by/through pet trade
Problems it is causing: It preys
on endangered and rare species
and competes with alligators at
the top of the food chain
Sus scrofa- Wild boar- brought
here in the 16th century as a food
source
Problems it is causing: It
consumes significant
amounts of native
vegetation and they prey on
smaller animals. They carry
45 infectious diseases or
parasites that affect native
species of the Everglades
Preserving the Everglades
• Scientists, citizens, and government
officials have been trying to develop a plan
that involves building an elaborate system
of pipes and canals to refill some drained
areas with fresh water
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands have dead leaves and other plant and animal
materials that serve as natural fertilizers that add
nitrogen, phosphates, and other nutrients to the water
and soil.
A. Importance to Wildlife: Wetlands provide habitats for
many living things because of their sheltered waters and
rich supply of nutrients
Importance of Wetlands
B. Importance to People: Wetlands act as natural water filters by
absorbing wastes and trapping mud and silt to make other bodies of
water cleaner.
Wetlands also help control floods by absorbing extra runoff from heavy
rains.