1. Freshwater Ecosystems
Wetlands and Rivers

2. Freshwater Wetlands

3. Benefits of Wetlands
Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support a great deal of biodiversity.
They can slow and hold influxes of water, helping to prevent flooding.
Water that passes through wetlands tends to come out cleaner, with less sediment and pollution. 3

5. Freshwater Inland Wetlands Volo Bog Illinois, United States
Located away from coastal areas, inland wetlands are non-permanent bodies of fresh water.
Bogs are wetlands characterized by plants that produce an acidic secretion, slowing down
the action of decomposers.
Volo Bog Illinois, United States 5

6. Marshes: contain non-woody plants Benthic zone is nutrient rich
Types of marshes:
Brackish marsh: slightly salty water
Salt marsh: salty water

7. Swamps: Poorly drained land Contains shrubs, trees
Amphibians, reptiles like alligators
Example: Florida Everglades

9. Functions Wetlands Purify wastewater Prevent flooding
Buffers against erosion
Spawning ground for fish and shellfish
Habitat for many animals
Recreational areas

10. Rivers Origin: melting snow in the mountains Cold, full of oxygen
Changes characteristics as it flows
Picks up runoff
Can become warm
Danger: pollution caused by people dumping waste into rivers

11. Rivers Headwaters = cold and full of oxygen
Flows downward = warmer, wider, slower, more vegetation and less oxygen.
Pollution is killing river organisms and dams change the river ecosystem.