1. Wetlands Notes

2. Wetlands
General term to describe land that is covered for much of the time by water. Ex. Swamps, bogs, marshes.

3. Functions of a wetland…1.
Provides a habitat for many organisms.
Lots of bay organisms use wetlands as a nursery. 2.
Filter excess nutrients &
toxins out of
water.

4. Functions of a wetland…
Helps to absorb excess
water during flooding. 3. 4.
Releases
water into
environment
during
droughts.

5. Functions of a wetland…5.
Strains silt
and debris
from water.
Nesting &
rest area
for migratory
birds. 6.

6. Threats to our wetlands…2.
Rerouting of water that
usually fuels the wetlands. 1.
Filling in for
construction.

7. Threats to our wetlands…
Loss of vegetation =
Loss in habitats & sediment 3.

8. Threats to our wetlands…4.
Pollution

9. Threats to our wetlands…5.
Invasive species create
competition & additional
threats for native species.

10. SAV Communities Submerged Aquatic Vegetation communities are
very important.
They include
eelgrass, ducks,
& crabs.

11. Click the pic!

12. The # of species in wetlands is
limited, but the # of individuals
is large.
What does that mean?
Can you explain that statement?

13. The Answer
For those organisms that can survive the problems of the wetlands, there is a great deal of food.

14. The Answer
These organisms
tend to be in
large numbers.

15. The Answer
Wetlands have more food for organisms, but the organisms usually have to deal w/ large temp. & salinity changes, high silt content & pollution.