Interactions in Ecosystems – Wetlands

#ngscience.com #ecosystems #wetlandseasonspark
https://ngscience.com
Interactions within the populations and communities in wetland ecosystems.

Visit the world's most comprehensive online primary science portal for K-6 at ngscience.com for loads of worksheets and interactive science content.

A wetland ecosystem is an area of land that is covered in water for part or all of the year. Wetlands can contain fresh water or salt water and are often found in low lying areas near lakes and rivers.

The water-covered soil in a wetland is often rich in minerals which helps plants grow. Wetlands have a rich diversity of plants growing in and around the edges of the water.

Wetlands are important habitats for many kinds of vertebrates. A great variety of birds can be found in wetlands which provide them with food, a safe place to reproduce and a place to rest as during migration.

Fish, amphibians and snakes are also common wetland animals.

As the amount of water in a wetland changes from season to season, the type and diversity of organisms can change. When the wetland is at its driest, plant may die and there are fewer animals. During the wet season, plants grow back and animal diversity also increases.

Why does the diversity of organisms in a wetland often change throughout
the year?

Wetlands are unique habitats that are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The diversity of organisms in a wetland often changes throughout the year due to a number of environmental factors. Firstly, seasonal changes in temperature and water levels can alter the wetland's physical characteristics, making it more or less suitable for certain species. For example, during the dry season, some areas of the wetland may become too dry for aquatic plants, while during the wet season, others may become too flooded for terrestrial plants. Additionally, fluctuations in water levels can alter the nutrient levels in the wetland, affecting the growth and survival of different species.

Another factor that contributes to changes in wetland diversity is migration. Many species of birds, for example, rely on wetlands for breeding and nesting, but will migrate to other areas during the non-breeding season. Similarly, some species of fish and amphibians will migrate to different parts of the wetland or to other bodies of water during different times of the year.

Finally, human activities can also play a role in changing the diversity of wetland organisms. Land use changes, such as deforestation or urbanization, can impact the hydrology of the wetland, altering water levels and reducing the available habitat for certain species. Similarly, the introduction of invasive species can also have a negative impact on wetland diversity, as these species can outcompete native species for resources and alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the wetland.