1.3 Aquatic biomes part 2

Freshwater: Wetlands

Wetland

area where the soil is underwater or very wet for part of the year, but it's shallow enough for plants to grow above the surface. Plants here, like cattails, lily pads, and reeds, must be able to survive with their roots in standing water

Benefits of Wetlands

help by storing extra water during storms to reduce flooding, absorbing rain to refill groundwater, and filtering pollutants through plant roots. They also support strong plant growth because the soil is rich in water and nutrients from decaying matter

Estuaries

where rivers meet the ocean, creating a mix of fresh and salt water. Some species, like mangrove trees, adapt to this environment. They have high plant growth because rivers bring nutrient-rich sediments

salt marsh

coastal estuary habitat in temperate climates, serving as a breeding ground for many fish and shellfish

mangrove swamp

coastal wetland with salt-tolerant trees called mangroves. These trees have special roots that help them survive in salty, shallow water. Mangrove swamps provide shelter for fish, protect coastlines from erosion, and filter pollutants from the water