Evolutionary process by which an organism becomes better suited to live in a particular environment. How a species changes over time to better live in a particular environment.

Without oxygen.

A wetland ecosystem that is highly acidic and has an accumulation of decomposed plants known as peat.

The area of land next to a body of water, where activities such as construction are restricted in order to protect the water.

Broadened bottom of a tree trunk that helps to stabilize a tree growing in wet soil or water.

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Any plant that sheds its leaves annually.

Decaying organic matter found in the top layer of soil or mixed with wetland waters; a food source for many small wetland organisms.

Period when a plant is not actively growing, but is still alive.  For most wetland plants this happens in the winter