The New Childrens Encyclopedia

Wetlands

Wetlands are among the richest habitats

on Earth. They include permanently wet

swamps and marshes, and bogs and fens

that have waterlogged soils. The water

can be fresh or salty.

TAKE A LOOK: WETLAND LIFE

 PITCHER PLANTS

These trap insects to

obtain nutrients they

can’t get from the soil.

O

Wetlands are home to many

species of insect, amphibian, and

reptile that need water to feed or

reproduce in. This in turn attracts

hungry birds and larger animals

that prey on them. Many

mammals have also adapted to

wetland life, including beavers,

hippos, and water buffalo.

 MAMMALS The

Okavango Delta in

Africa is an ideal home

for water-loving hippos.

REPTILES Caimans

and alligators are the

chief predators in

many swamps.

 BIRDS Still,

wetland waters make

ideal fishing grounds

for waterbirds.

 HERONS stalk wetlands for

fish hiding among plant roots.

Swimmers

Capybaras are rodents that live in the Pantanal, a large

wetland in South America. Like most semiaquatic

mammals their ears, eyes, and nostrils are on top of

their heads so they can stay alert while swimming.

WATERY ROOTS

Wetland plants have adapted to cope with the wet

conditions. Many can float, or have waxy leaves that resist

water. Their leaves also transport oxygen to submerged

roots to keep them alive. Some roots can survive being

exposed to the air or changes from fresh to salt water.

AND ECOLOGYENVIRONMENT

Archerfish (below) live in

mangrove swamps around Indonesia.

They prey on insects that land on the

leaves and roots of mangrove trees.

After selecting a target from under the

water, the fish sticks its snout out and

blasts the insect with a jet of water.

The insect falls into the water

and is gobbled up by the fish.

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(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.