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| Animal Adaptations to Wetland Habitats | |
 What are Wetlands?
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Beaver Dams The American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is well adapted to its Wetland habitat. These large rodents have webbed feet, and a broad flat tail for swimming, and a thick, waterproof coat. The Beaver is able to close off its nose and ears when it is swimming underwater. Beavers build dams to create pools in which they can build their lodges. The Pond Skater (Gerris lacustris) is an insect that is especially well suited to life in Wetlands. They have specialized, paddle like legs that enable the insect to "skate" over the surface of the water, riding on the surface tension that lies between the water and the air. Gator Holes Alligators in Southern Florida Wetlands excavate the "Marl" (fine-grained clay or limestone) in order to form a deep depression into which they retreat in the dry seasons. During the dry season, a multitude of animals seek refuge and food in the deep water of Gator Holes. Migratory Fish Migratory species such as Salmon, Trout and Eel can survive all levels of salinity in their migration through River, Estuarine and Coastal Wetlands. Fish such as these that are able to adapt to varying levels of salinity are described as eurythaline. |
