Water bodies are natural or artificial formations that hold water. The main types include rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. Rivers are flowing bodies of water that move towards larger bodies like lakes or oceans. Lakes are larger, still bodies of water surrounded by land, while ponds are smaller and shallower. Oceans are vast bodies of saltwater that cover most of the Earth's surface. Other types of water bodies include wetlands, which are areas where water covers the soil, and reservoirs, which are artificial lakes created for water storage. Each type plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, supporting various forms of life and influencing weather patterns.