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.
OWetlands 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.