Ecosystems and living organisms depend on the water cycle. Most living organisms, including humans, depend on the water cycle and actually take part in it. Land animals, for example, need to consume fresh water to remain hydrated. Without fresh water to drink, land animals quickly die. But the vast majority of water on Earth is saltwater and undrinkable. Fortunately, the water cycle supplies fresh water on land through the process of evaporation and precipitation. When water from the Earth's saltwater oceans evaporates, it leaves the salt behind. The freshwater travels by wind over land and falls as precipitation. This process makes it possible for animals to survive on land. Animals, including humans, make use of the water cycle in other ways as well. When a person sweats (perspires) the water on his or her skin evaporates. This has the effect of keeping the person cool. Many other animals, including dogs, use panting to keep cool, which also involves the evaporation of water. Watershed Systems
A watershed is a region of land where rain or snow (along with sediments and dissolved materials) drains downhill into a particular body of water, such as a river, lake, sea, ocean, or wetland.
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