Click the Techie Toolbox for tips and help to make the most of your time on the Web.

 Chapter 26: Ecosystems

Exploring Wetlands Wetlands, such as the one shown in the book, are an important part of the environment. These fertile ecosystems support unique plants and animals that can survive only in wetland conditions. The more you understand the importance of wetlands, the more you can do to preserve and protect them.

Why are wetlands an important part of the ecosystem?

Why do wetlands need to be protected? What laws are in place to protect wetlands? Form a hypothesis about why wetlands should be protected.

Goals Identify wetland regions in Texas and other parts of the United States. Describe the significance of the wetland ecosystem. Identify plant and animal species native to a wetland region. Identify strategies for supporting the preservation of wetlands.   Data Sources Weblinks View Student Data

Plan Determine where some major wetlands are located in the United States. Select One wetland area to study in depth. Where is it located? Is it classified as a marsh, bog, or something else? What role does this ecosystem play in the overall ecology of the area? Find out about the plants and animals that live in the wetland environment you are researching. In most cases, there are federal laws to protect the environment. Additional state and local laws are specific to the area. Investigate what laws protect the wetland you are studying.   Do Make sure your teacher approves your plan before you proceed. Perform the investigation.

Describe the wetland area you have researched. What region of the United States is it located in? What other ecological factors are found in that region? What laws protect the wetland you are investigating? How long have the laws been in place? What plants and animals are native to the wetland area you are researching? Are those plants and animals found in other parts of the region or the United States? What adaptations do the plants and animals have that help them survive in a wetland environment?   Are all wetlands the same? What is the ecological significance of the wetland area that you studied for that region of the country? Why should wetland environments be protected? What can people do to support the continued preservation of wetland environments in the United States?

Results

Wetlands Data Type of Wetland Location Plant Species Animal Species Strategy for Preservation Type of Wetland Location Plant Species Animal Species Strategy for Preservation Type of Wetland Location Plant Species Animal Species Strategy for Preservation Type of Wetland Location Plant Species Animal Species Strategy for Preservation * City: * State: Select Your State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Not Applicable * School: * required