Wetlands

Definition

Wetlands are ecosystems characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, at or near the soil surface. They can be freshwater, saltwater, or brackish and are vital for biodiversity, providing habitat for many species while also playing a crucial role in water purification, flood control, and carbon storage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wetlands cover about 6% of the Earth's surface but provide essential services such as water filtration, habitat for wildlife, and carbon sequestration.
2. They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.
3. Wetlands support a diverse array of plant and animal species, making them one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet.
4. Human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and pollution pose significant threats to wetlands, leading to habitat loss and degradation.
5. Restoration efforts are crucial for maintaining wetland ecosystems, as they help improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts.

Review Questions

• How do wetlands contribute to biodiversity and why is this important for ecosystem health?
  • Wetlands support a diverse array of species due to their unique conditions, providing habitats for plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife. This biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health because it ensures resilience against environmental changes and disturbances. A rich variety of species allows wetlands to function effectively in processes like nutrient cycling and water purification, making them critical for maintaining overall ecosystem balance.
• Discuss the role wetlands play in flood control and how this function can be impacted by human activities.
  • Wetlands play a significant role in flood control by absorbing excess rainfall and slowly releasing water into surrounding areas. This natural storage capacity helps reduce flood risks in nearby communities. However, human activities such as draining wetlands for agriculture or urban development can diminish their capacity to manage floodwaters effectively. As a result, increased flooding can occur when wetlands are lost or degraded.
• Evaluate the implications of wetland degradation on climate change and community resilience.
  • The degradation of wetlands has serious implications for climate change and community resilience. Wetlands act as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon dioxide; when they are destroyed, this carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Furthermore, without healthy wetlands to buffer against storms and floods, communities become more vulnerable to extreme weather events. The loss of these ecosystems thus not only affects biodiversity but also jeopardizes the stability and safety of nearby human populations.

Related terms

Marsh: A type of wetland dominated by herbaceous plants such as grasses and reeds, often found along the edges of rivers and lakes.

Swamp: A wetland area that is dominated by woody plants, often featuring standing water and rich biodiversity.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular ecosystem, which is crucial for ecosystem resilience and functioning, particularly in wetlands that support many species.