Freshwater Wetlands
Boey R
General Description
Freshwater wetlands rank among the most spectacular and impressive ecosystems in the world. All regions include shallow water, either fresh or salty, and it stands or moves over the surface of land. Wetlands are home to many plants and animals that would struggle to live in a different habitat. Two key characteristics of a wetland are generally the shallow water and abundance of aquatic plants.
Type of Animals
There are a wide variety of Animals that can be found in wetlands. Most commonly found animals are fish, amphibians and reptiles. Animals find wetlands resourceful because of the perfect amount of water received in wetlands, and the fact its a good place to hibernate in the winter. Many insects belong in the wetlands because of its density.
Type of Plants
Wetlands receive plenty of vegetation. Plants that can be found in wetlands are Water lily's, duckweed, cattails, bulrushes, etc. Organisms of the wetland obviously do not encounter difficulty in obtaining water since there is an abundance of it.
Annual Rainfall
Annual rainfall generally depends on where the wetland is located. Wetlands can receive anywhere from 60-200 inches of rain a year.
Average Yearly Temperature
Wetlands are sensitive to climate because they are dependent on water supply. For most of the year the weather is cool, but through parts of the year it can be cold and warm.
Soil Type
The soil that is found in freshwater wetlands is generally really wet. This is good for the soil because it allows the soil to gain the nutrients it needs. The most common types of Soil found in freshwater wetlands are Sandy, silty and clay soils.
Amount of sunlight
Wetlands receive a fairly good amount of sunlight, allowing plants and animals to thrive. It is not always sunny however, as wetlands get a good amount of rainfall too.
Unusual Fact about Wetlands
Wetlands provide one of the richest habitats for birds due to its vast vegetation and resources. It is the perfect place for a bird to breed.