This will vary depending on your particular area. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. Large varieties of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals can be found as part of a wetland ecosystem. The types of specific species depend upon the physical and chemical features of the particular climate. The dynamic biodiversity among the organisms existing in wetland environments is often referred to as food webs or food chains.
Wetlands also provide enormous selections of food that attract many different animals.
From the plants that die and decay, small aquatic insects, shellfish, and small fish to the larder predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals that feed on these smaller life forms. Many of the plants that are found in wetlands are important in filtering soil and chemical pollutants from runoff. Wetlands that border lakes and streams provide clearer and less polluted water as a resource. Wetlands are critical to reduction in flooding in many areas. Wetlands act as huge sponges that will soak up excess water and hold it until it can be slowly released into lakes, streams, and underground aquifers.