Freshwater

Freshwater, comprising about 3% of Earth's water, includes lakes, rivers, and other non-salty sources. It plays a vital role in the water cycle and supports diverse ecosystems, hosting over 700 fish species and numerous amphibians and insects. Notable freshwater bodies include Lake Baikal, rich in biodiversity, and the Amazon River, which has a volume surpassing the Great Lakes. The Congo River, the deepest globally, highlights the variety within freshwater environments, where temperatures fluctuate seasonally and geographically, influencing the rich life they sustain.