Coastal Wetlands

Coastal wetlands are unique and important ecosystems that are found in the transition zone between land and water. They are characterized by the presence of water, and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Types of Coastal Wetlands

There are several types of coastal wetlands, including:

• Marshes: These are characterized by grassy vegetation and are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
• Swamps: Swamps are dominated by trees and are typically found in freshwater environments.
• Mangroves: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in coastal saline or brackish water.

Importance of Coastal Wetlands

Coastal wetlands provide a range of important ecological functions, including:

• Protecting coastal areas from erosion and storm damage
• Filtering pollutants from water
• Providing habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species
• Supporting commercial and recreational fisheries

Threats to Coastal Wetlands

Unfortunately, coastal wetlands are increasingly threatened by human activities such as development, pollution, and climate change. These threats can lead to the loss of important habitat and ecosystem functions.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about coastal wetlands:

1. What are the three main types of coastal wetlands?
2. What are some important ecological functions of coastal wetlands?
3. What are some of the threats to coastal wetlands?

Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with specific examples of coastal wetlands in your region, as well as the plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems for their survival.