The Freshwater Biome for Middle School Science

Mar 13

3 min read

Freshwater biomes are ecosystems that contain very low amounts of salt, usually less than 1%. These biomes include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and wetlands. They are home to a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that have adapted to survive in water that is not salty. Freshwater biomes play an essential role in the water cycle and provide drinking water, food, and habitat for many species.

Where Are Freshwater Biomes Found?

Freshwater biomes exist all over the world, from tropical to temperate and even arctic regions. They are found on every continent and include well-known bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes in North America, the Amazon River in South America, the Nile River in Africa, and Lake Baikal in Russia. Wetlands, which are special types of freshwater biomes, are also widespread, including the Everglades in Florida and the Pantanal in South America.

Plants of the Freshwater Biome

Plants in freshwater biomes must survive in water-saturated environments, which can vary from still to rapidly flowing water. Many plants have special adaptations to help them float, anchor themselves, or obtain oxygen.

Water Lilies – Have large, floating leaves that allow them to absorb sunlight while their roots remain anchored in the muddy bottom.
Cattails – Grow in shallow water and have air-filled tissues in their stems to help them stand upright and transport oxygen to their roots.
Duckweed – A small, floating plant that does not need roots in the soil and absorbs nutrients directly from the water.
Mangroves – Found in freshwater and brackish wetlands (brackish water is a mixture of fresh and saltwater), these trees have specialized roots that grow above the water to take in oxygen.
Elodea – A fully submerged plant that uses thin, flexible stems to sway with water currents and maximize light absorption.

Animals of the Freshwater Biome

Animals in freshwater biomes must adapt to changing water levels, currents, and oxygen availability. Some have developed unique ways to move, breathe, and find food.

Frogs – Have webbed feet for swimming and can absorb oxygen through their skin while underwater.
Beavers – Use their strong teeth to cut trees and build dams, creating wetland habitats.
Otters – Have waterproof fur and streamlined bodies to help them swim efficiently.
Salmon – Migrate between freshwater and saltwater, adapting their bodies to survive in both.
Dragonflies – Lay eggs in freshwater; their nymphs live underwater, breathing through gills before emerging as flying adults.
Snapping Turtles – Can hold their breath for long periods and have strong jaws to catch prey in murky water.
Catfish – Have whisker-like barbels to sense food in dark, muddy water where visibility is low.

People in Freshwater Biomes

Many Indigenous peoples have lived near freshwater biomes for thousands of years, relying on these environments for food, water, and transportation.

The Anishinaabe (Great Lakes Region, North America) – Used canoes to travel rivers and lakes and relied on fishing and wild rice harvesting.
The Amazonian Tribes (South America) – Live along rivers and use them for fishing, transportation, and farming on riverbanks.
The Māori (New Zealand) – Consider freshwater rivers and lakes sacred and use them for fishing and cultural ceremonies.
The Nile River Civilizations (Africa) – Ancient and modern communities along the Nile have depended on its seasonal floods for farming.

Current Challenges for Freshwater Biomes

Despite their importance, freshwater biomes face several serious threats from human activity and climate change:

Pollution – Chemicals from farms, factories, and cities contaminate freshwater, harming wildlife and making water unsafe for drinking.
Climate Change – Rising temperatures cause droughts and reduce freshwater availability, affecting plants, animals, and people.
Overfishing – Excessive fishing disrupts food chains and reduces fish populations in lakes and rivers.
Dams and Water Diversion – Dams change the natural flow of rivers, affecting fish migration and wetland ecosystems.
Invasive Species – Non-native species, such as zebra mussels, outcompete native species and disrupt freshwater ecosystems.
Deforestation – Cutting down trees near rivers and lakes increases erosion and reduces water quality.

Freshwater biomes are essential for life on Earth, supporting biodiversity, providing drinking water, and sustaining human communities. Protecting these ecosystems through conservation efforts, pollution control, and sustainable water use is crucial for the health of the planet and future generations.

Check out my biome resources at Teachers Pay Teachers! I have reading passages, picture cards for sorting, and flashcards! You can also check out the flashcards right here!

Here is a preview of the sorting picture cards!