Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems are places where water is not salty. Rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds are all freshwater ecosystems. Even though freshwater covers less than 3 percent of Earth's surface, it is home to many plants and animals. People also depend on freshwater for drinking and growing food.

Types of Freshwater

There are two main kinds of freshwater ecosystems. Flowing water includes rivers and streams that move from one place to another. Still water includes lakes and ponds where the water stays in one spot. Each type has different plants and animals that are specially suited to live there.

Life in Fresh Water

Freshwater ecosystems are full of life. Fish like trout and bass swim in rivers and lakes. Frogs, turtles, and dragonflies live near the water's edge. Water plants provide food and shelter for tiny creatures. Keeping freshwater clean is very important for all the living things that depend on it.

Fun Facts

• Less than 1 percent of all the water on Earth is fresh water that we can easily use.
• Lake Baikal in Russia holds about 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water!
• Some freshwater fish can live for more than 100 years.

Did You Know?

The Amazon River carries more water than the next seven largest rivers in the world combined!