Freshwater Wetlands Revision

Front

What are the main differences between rivers and streams?

Back

Rivers are deeper, longer, and wider than streams. Streams are small running waters, mainly formed by natural processes but are largely modified by human activity.

Front

What can clean, unpolluted streams house?

Back

They can be important nurseries for trout and salmon and are often home to bullhead. In some parts of southern England, small streams may be the last refuge for crayfish affected by the crayfish plague.

Front

How many lakes are there in Britain and what are their characteristics?

Back

There are about 10,000 lakes in Britain. Lakes are large standing waters bigger than 2 hectares, with many being natural and some man-made. Damming rivers can cause lakes to form.

Front

What types of plants and animals are found in lakes?

Back

Lakes contain planktonic algae, tiny crustaceans, reeds, rushes, and fish in deeper waters.

Front

What is a reservoir and how is it formed?

Back

A reservoir is an artificial lake where water is stored, usually formed by constructing dams across rivers. The water is very still, allowing sediment to sink to the bottom, leaving the water clear.

Front

What types of species do ponds support?

Back

Ponds support two-thirds of all freshwater species, including the common frog, common toad, teal, common great diving beetle, pond olive mayfly, broad-leaved pondweed, great crested newt, and medicinal leech.

Front

What is the difference between peat bogs and fens?

Back

Bogs are waterlogged only by direct rainfall, while fens are waterlogged by groundwater. This water-logging causes incomplete decomposition of dead plant material, leading to the accumulation of peat.

Front

What is the role of wetlands in flood control?

Back

Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing and storing excess rainfall and reducing the speed and volume of floodwaters.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in wetlands?

Back

Wetlands support a wide range of species, providing habitat and breeding grounds for birds, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, contributing to ecological diversity.

Front

How do wetlands contribute to carbon storage?

Back

Wetlands store carbon in their plant biomass and soil, acting as carbon sinks. The waterlogged conditions slow down decomposition, allowing carbon to accumulate over time.