Wetlands

Mrs. Niemann
Subject: Science
Grade: 6th
Topic: Wetlands
Estimated Working Time: 30 Minutes

Welcome to the Wetlands Self-Instructional Module (SIM)

What do murder mysteries, blueberry muffins, cranberry juice and carnivorous plants have in
common? They can all be connected to wetlands. What do you think when you hear the word wetland?
Do you think of a dark creepy swamp full of snakes and alligators? Or maybe you think of mosquitoes
the size of helicopters and black sticky mud? Wetlands play a very important role in our lives and
provide many ecosystem services we depend on. You will be able to learn about all of these thing in
this SIM.

After completing this SIM you will be able to:

Identify three main types of wetlands
Describe similarities and differences of three types of wetlands
List adaptations of plants and animals living in wetlands

Describe why wetlands are important

Pre-Assessment
Before you begin you are going to need a pen and a piece of paper. Once you have those you are going
to take a short pre-assessment. Dont worry this is not graded I just want to see what you already
know about wetlands. Please record your answers on a piece of paper to be turned in at the end of the
SIM. Lets get started!

1.

True/False Wetlands are all the same

2.

True/False Wetlands are lifeless wastelands

3.

True/False Wetlands can prevent flooding

4.

True/False Wetlands are dangerous and not safe for people to explore

5.

True/False Wetlands provide food and jobs for people

Pre- Assessment Answers

1. True/False Wetlands are all the same
False There are many different types of wetlands. We will earn about 3 main types in this
SIM; swamps, marshes and bogs.
2. True/False Wetlands are lifeless wastelands
False Wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world
3. True/False Wetlands can prevent flooding
True Wetlands help prevent flooding by holding water that would otherwise flood areas
people live. This is called an ecosystem service and is only one of many ecosystem services
wetlands provide.
4. True/False Wetlands are dangerous and not safe for people to visit
False - Wetlands are no more dangerous than other outdoor places. Wetlands provide diverse
recreational opportunities for all people young and old.
5. True/False Wetlands provide food and jobs for people
True- Many crops as well as seafood is dependant on wetlands. Certain jobs such as logging
rely on wetland ecosystems.

What is a Swamp?

Swamps are a type of wetland dominated

by woody plants such as trees and woody
shrubs.
Swamps can be found throughout the
United States.
Swamps are usually be found near
streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

I took this picture in the Okefenokee Swamp in

Southeastern Georgia. I went camping there several
years ago and it was a place I will never forget. The
swamp is an amazing place full of incredible things.
There were alligators everywhere! I also saw armadillos,
lizards , snakes and tiny little deer.
The Okefenokee Swamp is a place rich in history and
culture. If you ever have a chance to visit dont pass it
up.

Features of the swamp

Water in s swamp can be fresh, salt or
brackish water. Brackish water is water
which is saltier than freshwater but not as
salty as salt water.
Water that feeds a swamp is usually runoff
from nearby sources of water like a pond or
river but they can be spring fed as well.
Water levels in a swamp can fluctuate
seasonally between standing water and
saturated soil.
Water in a swamp is typically very slow
moving or stagnant.
Swamps are usually interspersed with
hammocks which are areas of dry land.

This picture was taken on my visit to the Great Dismal Swamp. Is that an awesome name or what!
You can see some hammocks or areas of dry land. This picture was taken in the early spring before the
plants had a chance to leaf out so it does look rather dismal but there was a lot of wildlife in the
swamp, especially birds that were migrating through. This swamp is rich in U.S. history and among
other things provided a safe haven for communities of runaway slaves.

Life in a Swamp

The nutrient rich soil supports a

great variety of plant life and
animal life.
Most animals that live
permanently in the swamp have
evolved adaptations to life in and
around water.
Some animal adaptations include
long legs for wading in water,
webbed feet for swimming and
waterproof coats to keep them dry
and warm.

Cypress knees are specialized roots that stick out above

water to help the tree absorb oxygen

Plant adaptations include the

ability to live permanently in
water, hollow stems to transport
oxygen to roots or roots that stick
out above water to take oxygen
from the air.
Otters have webbed feet to help them swim and a
thick waterproof coat to keep them warm and dry

Why swamps are important

Swamps provide food people rely on
such as game, fish, crayfish and
shellfish.
Swamps provide important habitat
for plants and animals.
Swamps help moderate the effects of
flooding. Swamps act like a sponge to
gather and hold water that would
otherwise flood human inhabited
areas.
Swamps help purify water. By holding
water plants are able to absorb toxins
and other pollutants before the water
in the swamp seeps into the ground
water.
Swamps provide recreational
opportunities such as hunting, hiking
and bird watching.

Swamp-Comprehension Check
On the piece of paper you answered the pre-assessment on answer the following
questions.
1. Swamp water is typically _____
A . fast moving B. acidic C. stagnant D. all of the above
2. A defining feature of swamps is/are ___
A. small plants adapted to life in the water B. plants with knees C. trees
D. hammocks
3. Water level in a swamp ____
A. fluctuates seasonally B. never fluctuates it always stays the same
C. is controlled by the tides D. none of the above
4. Animals that live permanently in a swamp have adapted to life in a swamp by ___
A. never needing to come on dry land B. developing the ability to breathe underwater
C. developing adaptations like webbed feet and waterproof coats D. none of the above
5. List two reasons swamps are important. _________________

Swamp-Comprehension Check Answers

1. Swamps water is typically _____
A . fast moving B. acidic C. stagnant

D. all of the above

2. A defining feature of swamps is/are ___

A. small plants adapted to life in the water B. plants with knees C. trees
D. hammocks
3. Water level in a swamp typically ____
A. fluctuates seasonally B. never fluctuates it always stays the same
C. is controlled by the tides D. none of the above
4. Animals that live permanently in a swamp have adapted to life in a swamp by ___
A. never needing to come on dry land B. learning how to swim
C. developing various adaptations like webbed feet and waterproof coats
D. none of the above
5. List two reasons swamps are important. _______
Possible answers include; providing food, help decrease flooding, cleaning water, and recycling
nutrients

What is a Marsh?

A marsh is an area that is

frequently or continually
flooded.
A marsh is dominated by soft
stemmed plants like cattails
and rushes.
Marshes can be found
throughout the United States.
Marshes are found along the
edges of streams, rivers,
ponds, lakes and protected
coastlines.
There are two main types of
marshes; tidal marshes and
inland marshes.
A typical marsh. Notice the lack of trees or large woody plants.

Features of the tidal marsh

Marshes found along

protected coastlines
are especially common
along the East Coast
and the Coast of the
Gulf of Mexico.
Tidal marshes can be
fresh, salt or brackish
water.
As the tides move in
and out the marsh is
covered and uncovered
by water

This is a tidal salt marsh off of the coast of Assateague Island in Maryland. Assateague Island is a thin
island that is surrounded by these salt marshes. Assateague is well known for the wild horses that make the
island their home. They are often found grazing in the salt marshes around the island. The high salt content of
the plants the horses eat cause them to drink twice as much water as a normal horse which gives them a
bloated look.

Features of the inland marsh

Inland marshes are typically

freshwater but occasionally they
can be salt or brackish water.
Inland marshes are typically found
along streams rivers ponds and
lakes.
The depth of the water can be
several inches to several feet.
Inland Marshes may dry out
seasonally.

Marsh experiencing seasonal dryness

Life in the marsh

Soil in a marsh is nutrient rich and

can support great biodiversity.
Plants in a marsh have developed
adaptations that allow them to live in
constantly wet conditions.
Animals that live in marshes often
have adaptations that allow them to
live near or in the water.
Tidal marshes support very
specialized types of plants and
animals because of the constantly
fluctuating water levels.

A Bittern is a bird specially adapted to marsh life with

long legs for wading in water and camouflage that allows
it to blend into the reed beds.

Why are marshes important?

Tidal marshes are an important buffer

zone that protects the coast from the
ocean.
Marshes help slow shore line erosion.
Marshes help decrease flood damage.
Marshes help filter and clean water.
Marshes provide important habitat to
a great variety of plants and animals.
Marshes provide crucial habitat for
clams, crabs and fish we eat.

Marsh Comprehension Check

1. Marshes are found _______
A. throughout the United States B. only on the East Coast
C. only in the coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico D. only on the West Coast
2. A defining feature of a marsh is/are______
A. trees B. woody Shrubs C. soft stemmed plants

D. lily pads

3. (Fill in the blank) _________ marshes are have water levels that change with the tides while ______
marshes have water levels that change seasonally.
4. List one adaptation an animal living in a marsh might have _________

5. Marshes are important to people because _____

A. they slow shoreline erosion B. they filter and clean water
C. they provide habitat for clams, shellfish and fish we eat D. All of the above

Marsh Comprehension Check

1. Marshes are found_______
A. throughout the United States B. only on the East Coast
C. only in the coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico D. only on the West Coast
2. A defining feature of a marsh is/are______
A. trees B. woody Shrubs C. soft stemmed plants

D. lily pads

3. (Fill in the blank) _Tidal_ marshes are have water levels that change with the tides while _Inland_
marshes have water levels that change seasonally
4. List one adaptation an animal living in a marsh might have _________
Possible answers include; create buffer zones, slow erosion, decrease flooding, provide important habitat,
provide food for people
5. Marshes are important to people because _____
A. they slow shoreline erosion B. they filter and clean water
C. they provide habitat for clams, shellfish and fish we eat D. All of the above

What is a Bog?
A bog is a wetland that has a
deposit of spongy peat
Most if not all of the water in a
bog comes from precipitation
Bogs occur mainly in northern
areas of the world where there
are low temperatures, a short
growing season, high precipitation,
and high humidity
There are two main ways a bog
forms.
One way is that peat
accumulates and eventually
fills a pond or lake.
The second way is that a
layer of sphagnum moss can
cover dry land which
prevents water from
filtering into the ground

Diagram of Volo Bog located in Volo, Illinois

Features of the bog

Water in a bog is very

acidic .
Bogs are generally very
low in nutrients.
Bogs are generally
covered with a thick
spongy layer of peat.
The water level in a bog
can fluctuate seasonally.
In this picture you can see the thick mat of organic material that sits on top of the water in Volo
Bog located in Volo, Illinois. Volo Bog is a quaking bog. It is called a quaking bog because of the
dense mat of organic material is floating on water underneath. If you were to walk on it might feel
something like walking on a water bed and the ground would quake with each step.

Life in a Bog
Bogs are very specialized
ecosystems because they
have acidic water that is
low in nutrients.
Plants and some animals
have evolved to have
adaptations that allow
them to thrive in bogs.
Carnivorous plants can be
found in bogs. They have
adapted to life in a bog by
obtaining their nutrients
from bugs they trap and
eat.

Above: Mushrooms grow

from sphagnum moss in
Volo Bog
Left: Pitcher plants at
Volo Bog
Photographs by Richard
Seaman

Why bogs are important

Bogs help prevent downstream flooding by absorbing rain
water.
Bogs provide important habitat to many threatened and
endangered plants and animals.
Blueberries and cranberries grow and are harvested from
bogs. These berries are important and valuable crops
Bogs give us a unique window to the past. The acidic, cool
and low oxygen conditions found in bogs are excellent for
preserving human remains and artifacts. Bog bodies aka bog
mummies give scientists a way to learn about our past.
Bogs provide recreational opportunities such as hiking,
camping and hunting.

Above: Tollund Man Found in 1950 in a bog in Denmark. Carbon dating shows he died around 350 BC. The acidic water
tanned his skin to an unnaturally dark color and caused his hair to turn red.
Hundreds of bog mummies have been found but only a few bogs have the right conditions to preserve bodies. People used to
think bog mummies were people that got lost in bogs and died but now we know many bog mummies have been murdered. Some
bogs preserve bodies so well authorities mistakenly believe the bodies found are of recent murder victims. In the early 1980s in
England remains of a woman were found. Police believed it was a woman reported missing years earlier and when they told her
husband they found her remains in the bog behind their home he confessed to her murder. It turned out that the remains were
not his wifes but those a woman who lived over 2000 years ago.

Bog Comprehension Check

1. A bog is typically found in _____
A. the middle of swamps B. tropical areas
D. northern areas

C. dry areas

2. The two main ways a bog forms is when ______ fills up a pond or lake
or sphagnum _______ spreads across the ground preventing water
from flowing through
3. The water that feeds a bog typically comes from______
A. run off B. rainwater C. streams/rivers D. ponds/lakes
4. Plants and animals that live in bogs often have very specialized
adaptations because the water is ________ and _______ in nutrients
5. List two reasons bogs are important to people _______

Bog Comprehension Check

1. A bog is typically found in _____
A. the middle of swamps B. tropical areas
D. northern areas

C. dry areas

2. The two main ways a bog forms is when _peat_ fills up a pond or lake
or sphagnum _moss_ spreads across the ground preventing water
from flowing through
3. The water that feeds a bog typically comes from______
A. run off B. rainwater C. streams/rivers D. ponds/lakes
4. Plants and animals that live in bogs often have very specialized
adaptations because the water is _acidic_ and _low_ in nutrients
5. List two reasons bogs are important to people _______
Answers may include: Decrease flood damage, habitat for plants and animals, recreation, food,
or unique conditions create bog bodies

You are almost done

Now that you have learned about swamps, marshes and bogs you will take a post test.
There are two parts to this test. There will be ten fill in the blank questions and five
multiple choice questions. There will be only one answer to each question. On the paper
you have been using to answer the pre-assessment and comprehension questions write
Post Test, number it 1-15 and write the word or answer next to the appropriate
number. When you have finished the test check your answers to see how you did. If you
miss more than a few go back and review Then when you are done turn your answer
sheet in.
Go on to the next page to begin.

Post Test: Fill in the Blank

1.

Carnivorous plants can be found in ____

2.

______ are an adaptation Cypress trees have

developed to allow them to absorb more oxygen from
the atmosphere

3.

Swamps are typically found ______

4.

Marshes are dominated by _____

5.

_____ are adaptations animals have developed for life

Word Bank

Blueberries

dry areas
tropical areas
throughout the U.S.
woody plants

in wetlands

Carnivorous plants

6.

Swamps are dominated by _____

northern areas

7.

_______ provide crucial habitat for crabs, shellfish

cots

and fish that we eat

hollow stemmed plants

8.

Marshes are especially common _____

Bogs

9.

Bogs are typically found _____

hammocks

10. ______ are an important wetland to the logging

industry.

East Coast
elbows
oxbows
soft stemmed plants
Swamps

Post Test: Multiple Choice

1. Water levels in a swamps, inland marshes and bogs ______
A. have nothing in common

B. are all very deep

C. fluctuates seasonally D. is very shallow

2. Plants and animals in bogs and tidal marshes are often ______ because of the unique conditions
of each ecosystem
A. similar

B. specialized C. able to drink saltwater

D. no different that plants and animals in

swamps and marshes

3. Swamps, bogs, and marshes share several things in common one of these is the ability to _____
A. provide timber for the logging industry
C. provide land to grow blueberries

B. help filter and clean water

D. none of the above

4. Bog bodies are preserved because of the ______ water

A. highly acidic B. high level of bacteria in

C. high level of salt in the

D. high temperature of the

5. Water is a bog typically comes from _____ while the water from a swamp comes from _____
A. precipitation/tides

B. precipitation/ stagnant water C. Tides/ rivers or ponds

D. rainwater/ rivers or ponds

Post Test Answers: Fill in the Blank

1. Carnivorous plants can be found in __bogs __
2. _Knees_ are an adaptation Cypress trees have developed to allow them to
absorb more oxygen from the atmosphere
3. Swamps are typically found __throughout the U.S.__
4. Marshes are dominated by __soft stemmed plants__
5. _Webbed feet_ are adaptations animals have developed for life in wetlands
6. Swamps are dominated by _woody plants _
7. _Marshes_ provide crucial habitat for crabs, shellfish and fish that we eat
8. Marshes are especially common in _ East Coast_
9. Bogs are most commonly found in _northern areas_
10. _Swamps_ are an important wetland to the logging industry.

Post Test Answers: Multiple Choice

1. Water levels in a swamps, inland marshes and bogs _____
A. have nothing in common

B. are all very deep

C. fluctuate seasonally D. is very shallow

2. Plants and animals in bogs and tidal marshes are often ____ because of the unique conditions
of each ecosystem
A. similar

B. specialized C. able to drink saltwater

D. no different that plants and animals in

swamps and marshes

3. Swamps, bogs, and marshes share several things in common one of these is the ability to _____
A. provide timber for the logging industry
C. provide land to grow blueberries

B. help filter and clean water

D. none of the above

4. Bog bodies are preserved because of the ______ water

A. highly acidic B. high level of bacteria in

C. high level of salt in the

D. high temperature of the

5. Water is a bog typically comes from _____ while the water from a swamp comes from _____
A. precipitation/tides

B. precipitation/ stagnant water C. Tides/ rivers or ponds

D. rainwater/ rivers or ponds

Fun Stuff!
After all your hard work here is some fun stuff. If you would like to learn more about
the topics covered in this SIM here are some links to explore.
Photos Take a virtual field trip and get a clearer picture of the level of biodiversity found in wetlands
Volo Bog http://www.flickr.com/groups/volobog/
Okefenokee Swamp http://www.flickr.com/groups/okefenokee/
Marshes Barrens and Bogs http://www.flickr.com/groups/bogs/
Assateague Island http://www.flickr.com/groups/50408893@N00/
People/Culture/History Learn more about the life and culture of people who depend on wetlands
Okefenokee Swamp Folklore http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-550
Digging Up Secrets in the Great Dismal Swamp
http://popular-archaeology.com/issue/april-2011/article/digging-up-the-secrets-of-the-great-dismal-swamp
Swamp People (TV show) http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people
Swamp Loggers (TV show) http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/swamp-loggers/
Food
Ocean Spray Cranberries http://www.oceanspray.com/Who-We-Are/Harvest/Cranberry.aspx
Blueberries http://bangordailynews.com/2012/03/26/business/maines-2011-wild-blueberry-harvest-worth-70-1-million/
Carnivorous Plants http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/carnivorous-plants/zimmer-text

Congratulations!
You have finished the wetlands SIM and
now you know all about swamps, marshes
and bogs. Hopefully the next time you
think about a wetland you dont picture a
dark scary place but instead think of a
place full of life which provides us with
important natural resources and
ecosystem services. If you ever have the
chance, try to visit one of the wetlands
you learned about today. They are fun and
interesting places to visit...just keep your
eyes out for alligators!

References

Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Volo Bog interpretive programs. Retrieved from
http://dnr.state.il.us/education/interprt/volo/volobog.htm
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Wetlands . Retrieved from
http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/
Seaman, R. (n.d.). Volo Bog. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.richardseaman.com/USA/States/Illinois/VoloBog/index.html
Silkeborg Museum. (n.d.). The Tollund Man - A face from prehistoric Denmark . Retrieved from
http://www.tollundman.dk/default.asp
www.publicdomainpictures.net/