Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species. Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, hydrology, water chemistry, climate, vegetation, and other factors including human disturbance. Wetlands are found from the tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica. Many of these wetlands are seasonal and may dry out one or more seasons every year. But even wetlands that appear dry at times for significant parts of the year can provide critical habitat for wildlife adapted to feeding and breeding exclusively in these areas.
Wetlands provide many benefits.
Support Many Species. Wetlands are among the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world and are similar to tropical rain forests and coral reefs in the diversity of species they support. The presence or absence of water during the seasons heavily influences the life cycle of native plants and animals. As plants die, plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called detritus. Detritus is food for insects, shellfish, and forage fish, and it provides nutrients for wetland plants and algae.