Questions and Answers
What was one significant impact of wetlands on historical civilizations regarding agriculture?
Which period saw a significant loss of wetlands, especially in the US and Europe?
What is the primary driver of wetland loss due to urban development?
Which term refers to the seasonal pattern of water level in a wetland?
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What environmental factor is most closely associated with the presence of wetlands?
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What is a characteristic of peat formation in wetlands?
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What role do biota play in wetland ecosystems?
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Which of the following is NOT a key driver of wetland hydrology?
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What is a common characteristic of wetlands?
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Which type of wetland is characterized by high acidity and the presence of sphagnum moss?
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What is the primary ecological function of wetlands?
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Which of the following best describes a forested wetland?
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What distinguishes a marsh from other types of wetlands?
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What does 'ombrotrophic' refer to in wetland contexts?
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Which of these groups includes wetlands that are formed by post-glacial uplift?
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Which ecological role of wetlands helps mitigate climate change?
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Study Notes
Wetlands: Definitions and Characteristics
- Common definition includes areas that are wet, low-lying, and saturated with water either permanently or seasonally.
- Legal definitions provide specific criteria for identifying wetlands, emphasizing clarity and exclusivity.
- Ecological definitions prioritize flexibility, rigor, and inclusivity regarding what constitutes a wetland.
- All definitions acknowledge the presence of water, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation.
Importance of Wetlands
- Play a significant role in water quality improvement by filtering pollutants.
- Serve as crucial wildlife habitats, supporting a diverse array of species.
- Provide fish habitat, contributing to biodiversity and fisheries.
- Aid in flood mitigation and erosion reduction, bolstering natural disaster resilience.
- Hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities.
- Assist in climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
- Recharge and discharge groundwater, maintaining hydrological balance.
- Offer recreational opportunities and tourism potential.
- Act as sources of food and medicinal plants.
Types of Wetlands
- Bog group: Ombrotrophic, characterized by sphagnum moss, extremely acidic with deep peat and marl soils.
- Forested wetland group: Species-variable ecosystems influenced by diverse soils and landforms, dominated by trees, with variable water and nutrient sources.
- Marsh group: Rich in species due to hydrology; dominated by herbaceous plants, with neutral to alkaline organic soils.
- Shrub wetland group: Composed of tall shrubs, with species richness dependent on hydrology; features variable depth and organic/mineral soil.
- Wet prairie group: Dominated by grasses, species-rich due to hydrology and fire, with shallow organic soils.
- Wooded dune/swale complex: Unique to Great Lakes, these wetlands feature diverse upland and wetland types influenced by glacial activity.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Ombrotrophic: Wetlands reliant on precipitation for water and nutrients.
- Minerotrophic: Wetlands obtaining water and nutrients primarily from groundwater and surface flow.
- Peatland: Wetland that accumulates plant matter, inhibiting decomposition.
- Marl: A mixture of sedimentary rock, calcium carbonate, and clay.
- Calcareous sands: Composed of deep peat or marl.
Historical and Indigenous Significance of Wetlands
- Enabled the development of irrigation systems, transforming agricultural practices and enhancing food production.
Trends in Wetland Loss
- Approximately half of original wetlands in the U.S. and Europe have been lost, with global losses estimated between 25-50%.
- Significant losses occurred during the 1950s-1970s; decline in loss rates observed since then.
Drivers of Historical Wetland Loss
- Urbanization and agricultural conversion have led to a 40% loss in Michigan.
- Impacts include declines in fishery health, water quality deterioration, increased flooding, and habitat loss.
Conservation Efforts and Policies
- Historical measures have been implemented to mitigate wetland loss, though specifics require exploration.
Hydrological Concepts
- Hydrology: Refers to the dynamics of water movement in and out of wetland ecosystems.
- Terrestrialization: Process of soil formation through sediment and organic decomposition, leading to low water holding capacity.
- Peat Formation: Accumulation of sediments and organic matter that prevents decomposition, resulting in high water holding capacity.
- Hydroperiod: Seasonal patterns of water levels that characterize different types of wetlands.
Drivers of Wetland Hydrology
- Climate: Wetlands thrive in colder regions with high precipitation, minimizing evaporation.
- Geomorphology: Common in flat, gently sloping landscapes favoring water retention.
- Physiochemical Environment: Soil types and chemistry impact water input and retention.
- Biota: Flora and fauna contribute to hydrology, nutrient cycling, and habitat structure; microbes and fungi play key roles in decomposition and nutrient availability.
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Description
This quiz explores the definitions and characteristics of wetlands, highlighting their ecological, legal, and common definitions. Additionally, it delves into the vital roles wetlands play in water quality improvement, wildlife habitats, and climate change mitigation, as well as their cultural significance.
