Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Lakes are large bodies of freshwater surrounded by land, while ponds are smaller. Lake Baikal contains about one fifth of the world's freshwater. Rivers and streams are moving bodies of freshwater that originate in mountains and flow into oceans. Plants in freshwater ecosystems provide oxygen through photosynthesis and food for animals. Many animals live in freshwater ecosystems, with some adapted to fast moving waters and others to still waters. People rely on freshwater ecosystems for drinking water, energy, transportation, recreation and jobs like fishing.

1. FRESHWATER Ecosystems include lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

5. Yum, delicious algae. In fact, that slimy scum you see on the surface of a pond or lake is lunch for many of your favorite aquatic animals, like turtles. In fast streams and rivers many plants have special structures that keep them from being carried away by the water.

7. Estuaries house plant life with the unique adaptation of being able to survive in fresh and salty environments. Mangroves and pickleweed are just some examples of estuarine plants.

8. Animals many animals live in freshwater ecosystems. Some need the movement of the stream or river water to survive.

9. In fast moving waters animals that have to hold onto rocks and the bottom may have suction-cup like structures on their bodies. Others thrive in still water environments, like lakes. There are a variety of fish, birds, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans that make freshwater biomes their home.

13. When a dam is built, an artificial lake is created behind the dam. Dams can be viewed as good and bad. Dams may provide pollution-free energy, and create lakes for people to enjoy, but they can also damage the environment. Salmon are a species that use rivers to spawn, and are often hurt by dams.

14. Wetlands are also an important type of freshwater ecosystem. They may be soggy and stinky, but they provide critical habitat for tons of plants and animals, help clean our water, control floods, and provide food for humans. Did you know that cranberries come from wetlands?

15. freshwater location Animals People and freshwater plants include Lakes, rivers,streams Trout clams, shrimp and lots of fish. they provide oxygen through photosyntesis