Freshwater Biomes, conservation, problems and solutions

1. FRESHWATER IN THE WORLD
AND OUR COUNTRY

2. • PEOPLE AND FRESHWATER BIOMES: Without
freshwater biomes you and I would not be alive.
Freshwater ecosystems are important because they
provide us water for drinking; energy and
transportation; recreation, like boating and fishing; and
many jobs, like fishermen and researchers. One way
that people use rivers is to produce hydroelectric
power.

3. • LOCATION: Freshwater ecosystems include
lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Lakes are
large bodies of freshwater surrounded by
land, while ponds are smaller bodies of water
surrounded by land.

4. • Most lakes are still
and contain diverse
plant and animal life.
Rivers and streams
are moving bodies of
freshwater, which
usually originate in
mountains and come
from melting ice or
ground water and
eventually flow into
the ocean. For
example, the
Amazon River
originates in the
Andes Mountains
and ends in the
Atlantic Ocean.

5. Plants and algae
are important to
freshwater
biomes because
they provide
oxygen through
photosynthesis,
and food for
animals in this
biome.

6. ANIMALS: Many
animals live in
freshwater
ecosystems.
Some need the
movement of the
stream or river
water to survive.
There are a
variety of fish,
birds, insects,
amphibians, and
crustaceans that
make freshwater
biomes their
home.

7. • So, what can we do to help
freshwater biomes? First of
all, we can conserve water.
By using less water, we can
help ensure that there is
enough water for a healthy
biome. We should also be
careful not to pollute. Be
careful what you put down
the drain. By fertilizing the
lawn with chemicals and
allowing our cars to drip
nasty oils and fluids we are
polluting freshwater
biomes.

8. The rain carries these pollutants down storm drains into
rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Another thing you can do to
help is get involved! Volunteer with a stream team, or
community group that works together to monitor and restore
nearby freshwater biomes. By doing this you will learn more
about freshwater ecosystems and get to see the cool plants
and animals that make these biomes their home.