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, like 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 for diverse life.
Define keystone species.
A species that plays a critical role in the ecosystem; its removal can lead to ecosystem collapse.
What is cultural eutrophication?
Excess nutrients from pollutants causing algae blooms, disrupting the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity; caused by human activity.
Define water purification (in context of wetlands).
The process by which wetlands filter pollutants from runoff before they reach larger bodies of water.
Define flood protection (in context of wetlands).
The ability of wetlands to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing flooding.
Define habitat (in context of wetlands).
Wetlands serve as a home to many species, including amphibians, fish, and birds.
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 for water purification?
They filter pollutants from runoff, preventing them from reaching larger bodies of water and trap greenhouse gasses.
How do wetlands provide flood protection?
They act like sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall.
Why are wetlands considered biodiversity hotspots?
They provide habitat for a wide variety of species, including amphibians, fish, and birds.
What is the role of mangroves in coastal wetlands?
They are special trees and shrubs that thrive in salty coastal intertidal zones, providing habitat and protection.
What is the impact of dams on wetlands?
Dams divert water flow, preventing it from reaching wetlands, leading to drained wetlands and habitat loss.
What is the impact of overfishing on wetlands?
It can lead to a collapse of the food web and a loss of biodiversity, as fish are often keystone species.
How does commercial development affect wetlands?
Wetlands are often filled in for construction, destroying habitats and reducing flood protection.
Why is it important to differentiate between natural and cultural eutrophication?
Cultural eutrophication, caused by human activities, has a much more rapid and detrimental impact on wetland ecosystems.
What is the significance of estuaries?
They are where freshwater meets saltwater, creating unique conditions that support diverse life.
Why are wetlands called the 'kidneys of the Earth'?
Because they filter pollutants and keep the environment clean, similar to how kidneys function in the human body.