Task 6

WetlandsGrade: 6

Presented By:

Mrs N ChettyPitlochry Primary School Educator

⦿ A wetland is a wet area and is usually low lying.

⦿ The fresh water area is often caused by run off or flooding.

⦿ There are temporary wetlands which are only wet for about 1-4 months of the year.

⦿ Seasonal wetlands are only wet for about 5-11 months of the year.

⦿ Permanent wetlands are wet throughout the year.

What Are They?

About Wetlands

⦿ Wetlands are very fertile and

contain water for fisheries,

vegetation for livestock and

abundant wildlife.

Animals Of The Wetlands

Animals that live in wetlands vary by geographical location.

They are animals that need a wet and a dry environment and include turtles, frogs and a variety of water birds.

Plants Of The Wetlands

Wetland plants are those that thrive in wet soil . They include cattails, rushes, grasses and water lilies.

People In The WetlandsWetlands are a home to many people living in communities. The people who live in a wetland area depend on it for food, housing, and income . Millions of people depend for their livelihoods on intact and functioning wetlands.

Wetlands and their role in providing fresh water flows and preventing floods.

Prehistoric times show evidence of communities in wetlands.

The region of South-Asia, such as in India and Bangladesh depend upon the wetlands for their livelihood.

The Value Of WetlandsWetlands are the link between land and water, and are the most productive ecosystems in the world.Different names for different types of wetlands are swamp, marsh and bog. It can contain trees, grasses, shrubs or moss.Wetlands have many important functions that benefit people and wildlife.

1. They provide a habitat for a variety of wildlifeand plants.

2. They filter, clean and store water.

3. Collect and hold flood waters.

4. Absorb wind and tidal forces.

5. They provide beauty and recreational activities.

How Wetlands control floods

When a river floods, a wetland provides a place for water to spread out and slow down. Wetlands are filled with plants that slow down the flow of water. Wetlandsstore water during periods of high rainfall.

How Wetlands clean polluted water

The slow flowing water allows insoluble substances to settle. Sand and silt sink to the bottom of the wetlands. The water becomes clear.

Plants absorb nutrients from the water. Many nutrients are soluble substances that pollute the water. Plants can absorb the soluble nutrients that cause eutrophication.

Some germs that cause diarrhoea are eaten by microscopic organisms. Water may be drinkable after flowing through a wetland.

ActivityDraw a mind map highlighting the importance of wetlands.Use the format below.

The Importance of

Wetlands

Removes

insoluble

substances by….

Removes soluble

substances by …

Removes some

living germs by …

1. Reduces flood

damage by:

2. Helps clean and filter

the water.

3. Provides a habitat for plants

and animals