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What is the effect of commercial development on wetlands?
Destroys habitats, reduces flood protection, and decreases biodiversity.
What is the effect of dam construction on wetlands?
Diverts water flow, leading to drained wetlands, habitat loss, and reduced water purification.
What is the effect of overfishing on wetlands?
Can lead to a collapse of the food web and a loss of biodiversity, especially if keystone species are targeted.
What is the effect of pollutant runoff on wetlands?
Harms fish and other wildlife; excess nutrients cause cultural eutrophication, disrupting the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity.
What are the consequences of filling in wetlands?
Loss of habitat, reduced flood protection, and decreased water purification.
What is the impact of excess nutrients on wetlands?
Cultural eutrophication, leading to algae blooms, oxygen depletion, and reduced biodiversity.
How does altering wetlands affect flood control?
Reduces their ability to absorb excess water, increasing the risk and severity of flooding.
What is the effect of salinity changes on wetlands?
Can impact plant and animal life, particularly in coastal wetlands and estuaries.
What is the effect of decreased water flow on wetlands?
Leads to drained wetlands, loss of habitat, and reduced water purification.
What is the effect of increased greenhouse gases on wetlands?
Can lead to climate change, affecting water levels and species distribution in wetlands.
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.
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.