Wetlands are one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide many benefits to humans and other organisms, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for plants and animals.
There are four main types of wetlands: marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. Each type has different characteristics, but all wetlands share common features: they are saturated with water either permanently or seasonally; they support aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation; and they have soils that are anaerobic (lacking oxygen).
Marshes are wetlands that are dominated by grasses and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants. They occur in areas with shallow water that is seasonally flooded. Common marsh plants include cattails, sedges, rushes, and wild rice. Marshes provide important habitat for many animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Swamps are wetland areas that are dominated by woody plants. They occur in areas with deeper water than marshes—water that is permanent or only intermittently flooded. Swamps may be freshwater or saltwater habitats. Common swamp plants include cypress trees, mangroves