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

• 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

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Threats to the EvergladesSome 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 broughtinto the area accidentally or for pest control complete with other organisms for space and food

Introduction of new plant species in the Everglades-Examples

Melaleuca quinquenervia- an

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 Everglades-Examples

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 WetlandsWetlands 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.