Amphibians: Frogs and toads rely on wet habitats for breeding and development. 

Reptiles: Turtles, snakes, and crocodiles are adapted to aquatic environments.

Birds: Waterbirds like ducks, herons, and ibises are commonly found.

Mammals: Animals such as water rats, platypus, and dolphins inhabit coastal wetlands.

Wetlands undergo both primary and secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in newly formed or exposed areas, where pioneer species colonize and gradually lead to more complex communities. Secondary succession happens after disturbances (like floods or fires) that alter existing ecosystems but leave the soil intact, allowing for re-establishment of species over time.

• Producers: These are organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis. In wetlands, producers include sea grasses, algae, and mosses.

• Primary Consumers: Herbivores that feed on producers. Examples in wetlands are insects and small fish that consume algae and plant matter.

• Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat primary consumers. This group includes larger fish, amphibians, and certain bird species.

• Tertiary Consumers: Top predators that feed on secondary consumers. In wetlands, this level includes animals like alligators and large birds of prey.

• Decomposers: Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead material, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

Moseley, Kendra. Wetland Ecology – Basic Principles. Association of State Wetland Managers and NRCS, 14 Nov. 2018, www.nawm.org/pdf_lib/aswm_nrcs/wetland_ecology_basic_principles_111418_moseley.pdf. Accessed 10 May 2025.

​​Study.com. Wetland Food Chains: Lesson for Kids. Study.com, https://study.com/academy/lesson/wetland-food-chains.html. Accessed 10 May 2025.

Ecological Role: They prey upon other insects, being instrumental in controlling the population size of other insects. They also decompose dead plants and animals.

(Ethan Speas)

Ecological Impact: It produces a small, bluish black fruit that feeds creatures in the area, notably many birds feed on it.

(Ethan Speas)

Ecological role: They exchange immobile soil nutrients from their pant host. These nutrients include phosphorous, nitrogen, and carbon.

(Ethan Speas)

5-11-2025

BIOL 1-38338

Walk, Madeline, and Madeline Walk. “Plants of the Wetlands: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations.” Trillium Montessori, 20 June 2024, www.trilliummontessori.org/plants-of-the-wetlands/#water-tupelo. Accessed 12 May 2025.

Onufrak, Aaron, et al. “The Missing Metric: An Evaluation of Fungal Importance in Wetland Assessments.” Wetlands, 21 Nov. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-019-01228-w.

Bolete Mushroom: Key Facts.” Forest Wildlife, www.forestwildlife.org/bolete-mushroom/.