| KIDS
PAGE
Estuary
Fun Facts
Why
is an estuary like a....
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Sponge?
An estuary soaks up water. As excess rains flood rivers
and streams, wetlands form to absorb water that may otherwise
flood dry living areas used by animals and people. |
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Hotel?
As birds migrate across North America, they stop in marshes
and estuaries to eat and rest before continuing on their
journey. |
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Egg
beater? A coastal wetland is a place for nutrient-rich
freshwater from a river or stream to mix with saltwater
from the bays and ocean. As plants photosynthesize, oxygen
is added to the mix. Fishes and shellfish take advantage
of this life-giving soup. |
 |
Cradle?
An estuary provides a protective haven for young animals:
plenty of food and places to hide from predators. Seagrasses
and other vegetation give cover. |
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Strainer?
The grasses of an estuary act like a sieve. Soil, branches,
leaves, and even trash that has washed into the estuary
are strained. This allows cleaner water to pass on downstream
and into the Gulf of Mexico. |
 |
Cereal?
Plants absorb nutrients and help cycle them through the
food web. As grasses in the estuary decay, or rot, a nutritious
food for animals and fertilizer for other plant life are
supplied. |
 |
Soap?
Estuaries trap, neutralize, and decompose sewage and other
wastes. Excess nutrients and chemical toxins are absorbed
as well. Through chemical reactions and processing by
plants, water is cleaned before it passes downstream.
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Artwork
courtesy of Gilbert Longoria.
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Challenge:
Can you think of more? E-mail us at sealab@txstateaq.org
www.aquariumteacher.com
is an educational resource sponsored by
Texas
State Aquarium |
|
Texas
State Aquarium
2710 North Shoreline Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78402
1-800-477-GULF
http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/
|
