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What are the different types of wetlands and their functions?

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Wetlands are categorized into several types based on their location, water source, and vegetation. The main types of wetlands include:

  1. Marshes: These wetlands are characterized by herbaceous plants and grasses. They help filter pollutants, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce flooding by absorbing excess water.

  2. Swamps: Swamps are forested wetlands with trees and shrubs. They serve as important habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife, and also help to control erosion and store carbon.

  3. Bogs: Bogs are acidic wetlands that receive most of their water from precipitation. They support unique plant species like sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants, and store large amounts of carbon.

  4. Fens: Fens are alkaline wetlands that are fed by groundwater. They are rich in nutrients and support diverse plant and animal species, while also playing a role in water filtration and flood control.

  5. Mangroves: Mangroves are coastal wetlands with salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. They provide important nursery habitats for fish, protect shorelines from erosion, and sequester large amounts of carbon.

Each type of wetland plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, regulating water flow, and mitigating climate change impacts.

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