All Flashcards
Define wetlands.
Areas where water covers the soil part or all of the time; transition zones between land and water.
What are coastal/tidal wetlands?
Wetlands associated with estuaries where freshwater meets saltwater; salinity varies.
What are inland/non-tidal wetlands?
Wetlands found near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds (e.g., swamps and marshes).
Define mangroves.
Special trees and shrubs that thrive in salty coastal intertidal zones.
What is an estuary?
Area where freshwater meets saltwater, creating unique conditions that support diverse life.
Define cultural eutrophication.
Excess nutrients from pollutants cause algae blooms, disrupting the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity; caused by human activity.
What is a keystone species?
A species that plays a critical role in the ecosystem.
Define water purification in wetlands.
The process by which wetlands filter pollutants from runoff before they reach larger bodies of water.
Define flood protection in wetlands.
The ability of wetlands to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing flooding.
Define habitat in the context of wetlands.
Wetlands serve as homes to many species, including amphibians, fish, and birds; biodiversity hotspots.
Why are wetlands important?
They provide water purification, flood protection, and habitat for various species.
What role do wetlands play in water purification?
They filter pollutants from runoff, acting as nature's water treatment plants.
How do wetlands help with flood protection?
They act like sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall.
Why are wetlands considered biodiversity hotspots?
They are home to many species, including amphibians, fish, and birds.
What is the significance of mangroves in coastal wetlands?
They are special trees and shrubs that thrive in salty coastal intertidal zones, providing habitat and protection.
Explain the difference between coastal and inland wetlands.
Coastal wetlands are associated with estuaries and saltwater, while inland wetlands are near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.
Why is overfishing a threat to wetlands?
Fish are often keystone species; overfishing can collapse the food web and reduce biodiversity.
How do dams impact wetlands?
Dams divert water flow, preventing it from reaching wetlands, leading to drained wetlands and habitat loss.
Why is commercial development a threat to wetlands?
Wetlands are often filled in for construction, destroying habitats and reducing flood protection.
What is the role of wetlands in trapping greenhouse gasses?
Wetlands trap greenhouse gasses, helping to reduce atmospheric strain.
Cause: Commercial development. Effect?
Destroys habitats and reduces flood protection due to filling in wetlands.
Cause: Dam construction. Effect?
Diverts water flow, leading to drained wetlands, habitat loss, and reduced water purification.
Cause: Overfishing. Effect?
Collapse of the food web and loss of biodiversity, especially if keystone species are targeted.
Cause: Pollutant runoff. Effect?
Harms fish and other wildlife; can lead to cultural eutrophication.
Cause: Excess nutrients. Effect?
Cultural eutrophication, leading to algae blooms, disrupting the ecosystem, and reducing biodiversity.
Cause: Loss of wetlands. Effect?
Increased flooding, decreased water purification, loss of habitat for numerous species.
Cause: Healthy wetlands. Effect?
Water purification, flood control, habitat provision, and carbon sequestration.
Cause: Removal of mangroves. Effect?
Increased coastal erosion, loss of habitat for marine species, reduced storm surge protection.
Cause: Climate change. Effect?
Sea level rise, altered salinity levels in coastal wetlands, and shifts in species distribution.
Cause: Increased sedimentation. Effect?
Smothers aquatic vegetation, reduces water depth, and alters wetland habitat.