Wetlands are areas where still water covers the soil and the ground is very wet. They can be found in and along the boundaries of rivers, lakes or ponds. Most plants in a wetland ecosystem like Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and Nymphea (water lilies) are coated with oil or wax that helps them to float. Their roots can be deep and attached to the soil or superficial and floating. These plants offer breeding sites for fish, animals and birds and help a prey to hide from predators. Therefore, wetland ecosystems are essential to the food chain.
