2.
阅读理解
Wetlands are any land that is flooded with shallow water all or most of
the time. They are a natural water holding system.
There are many types of wetlands. Among them,
bogs,
marshes
and swamps are the three main types. The different types of wetlands have different kinds of plants.
Only
mosses(苔藓)and a few other kinds of
plants can grow in bogs Grassy plants like cattails(香蒲)and reeds(芦苇) are the most common plants
in a marsh. A swamp is a forest whose ground is underwater all or most of the time.
Unlike
bogs or marshes, a swamp is full of trees and bushes.
It's
not a good idea to go exploring a swamp without a guide. There are hidden pools of
water, thick mud,
and
sometimes big crocodiles (鳄鱼)looking for their next meal.
Hungry crocodiles aren't the only animals that make
the wetlands their home. Otters,
turtles,
frogs,
snakes
and many other animals do too. The water is home to many
kinds of fish and crabs. Birds,
including
ducks, geese and cranes,
use
wetlands seasonally during their long migrations.
Wetlands are important because they provide habitats for
plants
and animals. A wetland system can also protect shorelines,
make
polluted waters clean, prevent floods,
and
restore underground water supplies.
According to WWF, more than half of the
world's wetlands have disappeared since the beginning of the 20th century. If this continues,
countless
plant and animal species will surely die out.
Without
wetlands, cities have to spend more money to treat water.
Don't
feel helpless. Try to do your part to protect them right now.
Here
are some ideas.