What is transpiration ?  Transpiration is when trees give off moisture through the pores on the leaves and then it is evaporated into the air.
	What do trees do in the environment?  Trees take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen that we breathe. Trees help stop soil erosion by protecting the soil underneath them by preventing the rain falling directly onto the ground. Their roots reach down deep to the water table and draw water up.  This prevents the water table from rising to the root level of smaller plants that cannot cope with the salty water.  Trees also provide shelter for us on sunny days, as well as a home for many animals.
Why are plants along a river important? Plants along a river stop erosion so the river banks don't cave into the river. The roots and ground covering protect the soil from being washed away. Trees shade the river keeping shallow water cool on a hot day. Plants also attract animals and insects to a river, providing food for fish etc.
Click for sound	Why are wetland plants special? Wetland plants are special because they are constantly in soil saturated in water, they provide food and they keep the soil together. Most ordinary plants would not survive living in these conditions. The mangrove is one species of plant that can survive in wetlands.
By Jake, Sam and Peter