Understanding What a Wetland Is
A wetland is an area where the ground is covered with water either all year or during certain seasons. Wetlands can be freshwater, salty, or a mix of both.
Types of Wetlands
Marshes: Filled with grasses and soft plants.
Swamps: Dominated by trees and shrubs.
Bogs: Acidic wetlands with moss and slow decay.
Fens: Wetlands fed by mineral-rich groundwater.
What Makes Wetlands Special
Wetlands are a mix of land and water. Plants and animals living there are adapted to waterlogged soil and changing water levels.
Where Wetlands Are Found
They can appear near rivers, lakes, coastlines, floodplains, or anywhere water collects naturally. Every continent except Antarctica has wetlands.
Why Wetlands Matter
They filter water, store floodwater, provide wildlife habitat, and support rich biodiversity. Wetlands also help fight climate change by trapping carbon.
Examples of Wetland Life
Frogs, herons, cattails, alligators, reeds, insects, fish, and countless plant species rely on wetland ecosystems.
Threats to Wetlands
Pollution, draining for farmland, climate change, and construction have destroyed many wetlands worldwide.
The Simple Takeaway
A wetland is a water-filled ecosystem that supports unique plants and animals. It filters water, prevents floods, and keeps ecosystems healthy.