ECOSYSTEM SNAPSHOT: FRESH WATER HABITATS

FEATURED POPULATION: AMERICAN TOAD

ANIMAL FACTSAdaptations –

• Toads are amphibians.

• Active at night – nocturnal

• Hibernates in the winter

• They do not drink water. They absorb it through their skin.

TOADS : BASIC NEEDS

Basic Needs

• air• water• shelter• food

Shelter/Habitat

• various areas including fields, forests, ponds

Food

• insects

THE FRESH WATER COMMUNITY

mosquito fish

dragonfly

snapping turtle

salamander

mosquito

THE FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

THE FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

• Freshwater habitats include rivers, ponds, and lakes.

• Plant life – various aquatic plants

• Climate – various climates around the world

• Landscape – green riparian zones, rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes

PHOTO CREDITSPhotos courtesy of clip art and the US Fish and Game Services; released to public domain