Freshwater Biome

Freshwater biomes include rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The water in these places has very little salt, unlike ocean water. Even though freshwater covers less than 3 percent of Earth, it is home to many plants and animals. People also depend on freshwater for drinking.

Moving and Still Water

Rivers and streams have moving water that flows in one direction. Fish like trout and salmon live in these flowing waters. Lakes and ponds have still water. They are home to frogs, turtles, and water plants like lily pads.

Freshwater Life

Many animals depend on freshwater habitats. Beavers build dams across streams. River otters play and hunt in the water. Dragonflies lay their eggs in ponds. Freshwater habitats are also important stops for migrating birds.

Fun Facts

• Lake Baikal in Russia is the deepest freshwater lake, reaching over 5,300 feet deep.
• About 40 percent of all fish species live in freshwater.
• The Amazon River holds more freshwater than any other river in the world.

Did You Know?

Only about 3 percent of all water on Earth is freshwater, and most of that is frozen in glaciers and ice caps! Less than 1 percent is available for us to use.