Water-based regions home to a unique group of living things. Water Biomes Water-based regions home to a unique group of living things.

Three Types of Water Ecosystems Saltwater- oceans and seas Freshwater- streams, rivers, lakes and ponds Brackish- where salt water and fresh water meet

Wetland Also known as swamp, marsh, or bog Land covered with shallow water for all or part of the year Water comes from rain, melted snow, underground spring Marsh-grassy with reeds and cattails near river or lake Bog- found in cool climate, spongy peat moss Swamp- forested wetland full of trees and shrubs

River A ribbon of water that weaves over land Constantly moving and changing Can carve canyons and form waterfalls Water comes from melted snow, springs, rainwater, underground Water flows downhill Underwater plants anchor in the river bottom Water level drops and rises depending on rain fall.

Lake A pool of freshwater that fills low spots in land Form from mountain snow, natural springs, along rivers, or behind dams Trees line the sides of the lake Water lilies grow on top of the water Tall grasses are on the water edge

Estuary Where a river meets the ocean Part wet part dry Forms brackish water (fresh water and salty water mixed) Found on edges of continents and islands Experience high and low tides Mud is full of nutrients

Ocean Covers 75% of earths surface Very salty Largest water biome Waves move water and has high and low tide Sea weed and algae grow Deep water gets no light so few producers and cold temperatures