Wetlands are defined by three unique characteristics. First, wetlands are areas of land that have wet or waterlogged soils throughout most of the year. Located in low-lying areas, like valleys, rain, groundwater and other runoff help keep them saturated with water. Often, they are located near other larger bodies of water, like a river, which overflows into the wetlands. The other two defining characteristics of a wetlands are its functions and the wildlife it supports.
Wetlands have very specific functions.
Like giant sponges, they soak up water, which helps reduce flooding. While soaking up water, wetlands also dilute and filter out pollutants so that water can be used again. Lastly, wetlands are home to a huge number of animals and plants that are specially suited, or adapted, to a wet environment. These adaptations allow plants and animals to thrive and to share resources in the same habitat. There are a variety of different kinds of wetlands all over the world.