Wetlands

6th Grade

Wetland: a land area that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year.

3 types of freshwater wetlands

• 1) Marshes

• 2) Swamps

• 3) Bogs

Marshes

• Grassy areas covered by shallow water or a stream

• Have tall, grass-like plants

Swamps

• Look like flooded forests, with trees and shrubs sprouting from the water

• Most are in warm, humid climates

Bogs

• Common in northern areas• Occur in cooler climates• Formed by depressions left by melting ice

sheets thousands of years ago• Acidic water • Mosses thrive here

Bogs

What are the Everglades?

Everglades

• A unique region of wetlands in southern Florida where a shallow ground with sawgrass is covered in water

• 4,000 square miles

Why are the Everglades Important?

• Provide habitats for many rare or endangered species

• Waste materials can be absorbed by plants

• Natural water filters

• Help control floods by absorbing extra runoff from heavy rains

Why are the Everglades in Danger?

• Agriculture –farming has accidentally leeched chemicals into the slow-moving waters of the marsh, upsetting the balance of nutrients

• Development –wetlands have been filled in for farming

• Introduction of invasive species to the environment

• Water that once flowed into the Everglades from other sources has been diverted for farming and household use

Invasive Species! Can spread throughout new ecosystems

• Burmese Python

Everglades are home to many THREATENED and ENDANGERED

animals

American Alligator --threatened

American Crocodile --threatened

Arctic Peregrine Falcon -threatened

Atlantic Ridley Turtle -Endangered

Florida Panther --Endangered

West Indian Manatee --endangered

Piping Plover --threatened

Wood Stork -endangered