Wetlands

Definition

Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, creating a habitat that supports a diverse range of plants and animals. These areas play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles by filtering pollutants, regulating water levels, and providing essential services such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wetlands are vital for flood control because they absorb excess rainwater and reduce runoff, helping to prevent flooding in surrounding areas.
2. They serve as natural filters, trapping sediments and breaking down pollutants, which improves water quality before it enters rivers and lakes.
3. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, supporting a rich variety of wildlife, including fish, amphibians, birds, and plant species.
4. These ecosystems store carbon in their plant biomass and soil, making them important players in mitigating climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
5. Wetlands are threatened by human activities such as drainage for agriculture and urban development, which can lead to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How do wetlands contribute to nutrient cycling within their ecosystems?
  • Wetlands play a critical role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. The saturated conditions in wetlands facilitate microbial activity, which decomposes organic materials and releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This process enhances the fertility of the surrounding areas, supporting diverse plant life and contributing to overall ecosystem productivity.
• Evaluate the impact of wetland loss on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • The loss of wetlands significantly impacts biodiversity by eliminating habitats for numerous plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems. This decline reduces overall species richness and disrupts food webs. Additionally, the loss of wetlands compromises essential ecosystem services like water purification and flood control, leading to increased vulnerability to flooding events and degraded water quality in nearby environments.
• Analyze the role of wetlands in mitigating climate change and how their destruction affects global carbon cycles.
  • Wetlands act as carbon sinks by storing carbon in their plant biomass and anaerobic soils. When wetlands are destroyed, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The destruction also diminishes the capacity of these ecosystems to sequester additional carbon, further exacerbating climate change. Thus, preserving wetlands is vital for maintaining global carbon cycles and combating climate change.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life found in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is often higher in wetlands due to their rich resources and varied environments.

Nutrient Cycling: The process of recycling nutrients through the environment, where wetlands contribute significantly by breaking down organic matter and facilitating nutrient availability for plants.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans gain from ecosystems, including the functions performed by wetlands such as flood control, water purification, and habitat provision.