Wetlands

Definition

Wetlands are ecosystems characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, that supports a unique array of plant and animal life. These areas, which include swamps, marshes, and bogs, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating water cycles within various biomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wetlands cover about 6% of the Earth's surface and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
2. They serve as crucial buffers against flooding, absorbing excess water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it during dry periods.
3. Wetlands are home to approximately 40% of the world's plant and animal species, making them vital for maintaining global biodiversity.
4. They filter pollutants from water, improving water quality before it reaches lakes, rivers, and oceans.
5. Human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and drainage have led to significant wetland loss globally, threatening ecosystems and wildlife.

Review Questions

• How do wetlands contribute to biodiversity within different biomes?
  • Wetlands contribute to biodiversity by providing unique habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. The varied water levels and rich nutrient content create an environment conducive to diverse life forms. Many migratory birds rely on wetlands as crucial stopover points for rest and feeding. This richness in species is particularly important as wetlands can serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for fish and amphibians, enhancing overall ecosystem health.
• Evaluate the impact of human activities on wetland ecosystems and the potential consequences for surrounding environments.
  • Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrial development have led to significant degradation of wetland ecosystems. Draining wetlands for land use disrupts the natural hydrology, reduces biodiversity, and impairs ecosystem services like flood protection and water filtration. The loss of wetlands can lead to increased flooding in surrounding areas during heavy rains and can also negatively impact water quality downstream due to decreased natural filtration processes.
• Synthesize information on the role of wetlands in climate regulation and how their loss may exacerbate climate change effects.
  • Wetlands play a significant role in climate regulation by acting as carbon sinks, storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When wetlands are drained or destroyed, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the loss of wetlands reduces their ability to mitigate climate impacts such as flooding and droughts. As climate change intensifies these weather events, the absence of wetlands could worsen the effects on both local ecosystems and human communities that depend on their services.

Related terms

Biodiversity:

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is often highest in wetlands due to the diverse range of species that depend on these environments.

Hydrology:

The study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water in wetlands, influencing the plants and animals that inhabit these areas.

Ecosystem Services:

The benefits that wetlands provide to humans and the environment, such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for wildlife.