Wetlands - Marshes and Swamps
By Tarik
WATER QUALITY
marshes and swamps can be freshwater or saltwater
American Alligator
Since they don't have vocal cords, the male bellows to attract its mate.
American Bittern
If it senses that it has been seen, it becomes motionless, with its bill pointed upwards, to blend in with the reeds around it.
Boat-billed Heron
At the slightest touch, their bill opens up and practically scoops in its prey.
Black-winged Stilt
Their bill is long and slim so they can grab insects quickly.
Common Snipe
Its plumage is striped and barred so it can blend in with its environment.
Florida Manatee
It has developed whiskers which are as sensitive as our fingers.
Examples of marshes and swamps.
Owls creek salt marsh and the dissmal swamp
Canada Bluejoint
It has become accustomed to many places so it can find rich soil.
Grey Mangrove
This tree evolved to have "knees" (pneumatophores). It helps surrounding plants maintain an adequate root respiration.
Bristly sedge
It can tolerate flooding and grow in 12 inches of water.
Wetland climate
- Temperatures depend greatly on the area of wetland
- On the Arabian Peninsula temperatures can reach up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- In Siberia temperatures can be as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Rainfall in wetland areas also depend on the area
- In North America, we can get as little as 7 inches of rain a year
- In Southeast Asia, they can receive up to 200 inches of rain
Intresting facts about the wetland ecosystem
- 43% of Federal Listed Species rely on wetlands for survival.
- Some medicines are produced from wetland soil or plants.
- One acre of wetlands can hold 1 to 1.5 million gallons of water.
A video explaining various wetlands
Aquatic Biomes Wetlands | Biology | Ecology