1. Wetlands

2. Chapter 1 Section 4 Water
A wetland is a land area that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year
Common types of wetlands are:
A. Marshes- grassy area covered by shallow water or a stream
B. Swamps- flooded forests with trees and shrubs sprouting from the water. Most are located in warm, humid climates
C. Bogs- form in depressions left by melting ice sheets thousands of years ago. They are found in cooler climates and usually have moss and colorful flowers in them.

3. Marshes
Grassy area covered by shallow water

4. Swamps
Flooded forests with trees and shrubs
Warm, humid climates

5. Bogs
Has moss and colorful flowers
Cooler climates

6. Characteristics of Wetlands
Help control flooding
Provide a habitat for many species
Coastal wetlands contain both salt and
fresh water
Vary in size-can be as small as a
roadside ditch or cover as much area as
a city

7. Florida Everglades

8. The Florida Everglades
The Everglades are a unique region of wetlands
The Everglades stretch from Lake Okeechobee to the Florida Bay
The Everglades are known as the “River of Grass” due to the tall, sharp edged blades of sawgrass that grow in the water

10. Sawgrass in the Everglades

11. Everglades Wildlife
Fish, snakes, wading birds, flamingos, white egrets, gallinules, raccoons, and alligators are just a few species that make up the Everglades
The Everglades also provide habitats for many rare and endangered species such as:
a. Florida Panther
b. Wood Stork
c. Roseate Spoonbill
d. Manatee

12. Endangered Wildlife at the Everglades
Florida Panther
Manatee

13. Everglades Wildlife
Scientists are working to preserve the Everglades because many endangered species live there
Wood Stork Roseate Spoonbill

14. Everglades Wildlife
                                                         

15. Threats to the Everglades
Some human activities that are threatening the Everglades are:
a. Farming –has introduced new chemicals into the water which has upset the balance of nutrients
b. Developments -areas of the wetland are being taken over to build homes and roads
c. Introduction of new species -new organisms brought
into the area accidentally or for pest control complete with other organisms for space and food

16. Introduction of new plant species in the Everglades-Examples
Melaleuca quinquenervia- an Evergreen tree from Australia
Problems it is causing: It grows extremely fast, displaces native plants, diminishes animal habitats, and provide little food for wildlife
Lygodium microphyllum -known as Old World Climbing Tree from Asia, Africa, and Australia
Problems it is causing: this tree forms thick, dense, spongy mats that are slow to decompose and exclude native understory plants. It can also take over native trees and fatally trap small and medium size animals

17. Introduction of new animal species in the Everglades-Examples
Sus scrofa- Wild boar- brought
here in the 16th century as a food
source
Problems it is causing: It
consumes significant
amounts of native
vegetation and they prey on
smaller animals. They carry
45 infectious diseases or
parasites that affect native
species of the Everglades
Python molurus bivittatus -
Burmese python- Imported
by/through pet trade
Problems it is causing: It preys
on endangered and rare species
and competes with alligators at
the top of the food chain

18. Preserving the Everglades
Scientists, citizens, and government officials have been trying to develop a plan that involves building an elaborate system of pipes and canals to refill some drained areas with fresh water

19. Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands have dead leaves and other plant and animal materials that serve as natural fertilizers that add nitrogen, phosphates, and other nutrients to the water and soil.
A. Importance to Wildlife: Wetlands provide habitats for many living things because of their sheltered waters and rich supply of nutrients

20. Importance of Wetlands
B. Importance to People: Wetlands act as natural water filters by absorbing wastes and trapping mud and silt to make other bodies of water cleaner.
Wetlands also help control floods by absorbing extra runoff from heavy rains.