FRESHWATER and ESTUARY BIOMES

Chapter 20 Stream and River Ecosystems The water in brooks, streams, and rivers flows from melting snow, rain or a spring. Plants have a hard time growing in fast moving waters, animals rely on seeds and leaves that fall in the water.

Chapter 20 Pond and Lake Ecosystems Life near Shore – The Littoral Zone: contains most of the plant life and is home to small animals. Life Away from Shore – Open Water Zone & Deep Water Zone: contains larger fish and animals, such as turtles. Algae grows as deep as sunlight reaches.

Section 3 Freshwater Ecosystems Chapter 20

Wetland Ecosystems (found around lakes, low-lying areas, and estuaries) Marshes - grasses and small plants; muskrats, turtles, frogs, birds, etc. Marshes around estuaries - called “Salt Marshes” Swamps trees and vines; fishes, snakes, birds, etc. Swamps around estuaries-called “Mangrove Swamps”.

Marshes and Swamps are IMPORTANT!!! 1. They filter water which removes pollutants and keeps them from entering drinking water, oceans, and freshwater. 2. They provide shade and cover for habitat and breeding grounds. 3. They are natural areas for run-off and can hold large amounts of water, which prevents flooding. (Hurricane Katrina)

Marsh Swamp

Where Waters Meet…  Freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean mix in the estuary.  “Brackish” is the term used for this water mixture that is not completely fresh or completely salty. This water mixture allows for many freshwater and saltwater species of animals and plants to survive: marsh grass, small plants, & algae, crabs, worms, clams, oysters, fish, turtles, & alligators This water mixture allows for many freshwater and saltwater species of animals and plants to survive: marsh grass, small plants, & algae, crabs, worms, clams, oysters, fish, turtles, & alligators

Diversity  Estuaries are the most diverse water habitat, often referred to as “ nature’s nursery”.  Transitional area found between forested land and sand dunes.

Estuaries

What makes a freshwater biome different from a marine biome? Give 3 examples of freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater is not salty! Ex: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds