Wetland

ecosystem · water · biodiversity · nature

Wet and muddy ground. Wetlands are places where soil stays flooded or soaked with water for long stretches, either all year round or just during certain seasons. The water creates a special environment that's neither fully water nor fully land.

Plants with special roots. Plants in wetlands have evolved incredible root systems that can survive in waterlogged, oxygen-poor soil where most plants would die. These adapted roots let the plants thrive in this unique in-between world.

Packed with life. Wetlands are some of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, hosting tons of different plants, birds, frogs, fish, and insects all living together. Many animals depend on wetlands for food, shelter, and places to raise their babies.

Nature's water filter. Wetland plants are like nature's cleanup crew, removing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from water. This helps keep water cleaner and prevents pollution from damaging downstream ecosystems.

Oxygen-poor soils. The constant flooding in wetlands creates a special condition where soil has very little oxygen, which leads to unique chemical processes that are different from regular land or water ecosystems.