Wetlands:structure,function, Classification

Front 1

What are the three rules that define a wetland?

Back 1

groundwater-at surface or within the soil root zone during all or part of the growing season
- soils- frequent and prolonged saturation or water "hydric soils", low oxygen, little iron
- vegetation- hydrohytes-plants that are adapted to growing in stnding water or saturated soils

Front 2

Where are wetlands found?

Back 2

-all continents except Anarctica
- in every climate from tropics to tundra
- make up 6% of earth's land surface

Front 3

What are some functions of wetlands

Back 3

- one of richest habitats on earth
- provide flood control and protection
- wetlands improve water quality
- provide shoreline erosion control
-recharge groundwater
-provide natural products
-areas of recreation

Front 4

Describe the habitat of a wetland

Back 4

- diverse community
- provides habitat, food and water
- fish, birds, plants

Front 5

How do wetlands control flooding?

Back 5

- sponge, retains water and slowly releases it
-slows the speed of runofff

Front 6

How do wetlands improve water quality

Back 6

- filter water to remove sediment, wastes and nutrients

Front 7

How do wetlands provide shoreline erosion control?

Back 7

- buffer shores from erosion
- roots strengthen the sediment by binding soil to roots

Front 8

By collecting rain water, snow melt and surf run off, the wetland is

Back 8

recharging groundwater

Front 9

what type of natural products do wetlands provide?

Back 9

fish, shellfish, berries, and rice,

Front 10

What type of recreational activities do wetlands provide?

Back 10

boating, fishing, hunting

Front 11

Hydrology influences the stucture of a wetland by

Back 11

physically by the movement of the water and the water's chemistry

Front 12

hydroperiod

Back 12

the duration, frequency, depth and season of flooding

Front 13

how does the hydrology influence the plant composition

Back 13

affects germination
survival mortality or various times in life cucles

Front 14

Explain why wetlands have been called the "kidneys of the landscape'

Back 14

because wetlands cleanse water, prevent floods, and manage water of the landscape

Front 15

Explain why wetlands have been called "biological supermarkets"

Back 15

provide rich and diverse food chain

Front 16

on what continents can wetlands be found? In what climates?

Back 16

every contintent except Anarctica

Front 17

Approximately how much of the world is covered by wetlands?

Back 17

6% of the earth's surace

Front 18

Describe two ancient cultures that used wetlands

Back 18

babylonians, egyptians, aztec, irish, russians

Front 19

List 4 cities that have destroyed wetlands in the US?

Back 19

Boston, New Orleans, NY, Chicago

Front 20

What are "wetlanders"? Give 3 examples

Back 20

people who live close to wetlands and whose culture is tied to them. The Camarguis, Cajuns, and the marsh arabs

Front 21

Explain the economical significance of the following wetlands
bogs
paddies
peatlands
mangroves
salt marshes

Back 21

bogs- cranberries
paddies- feed half the world
peatlands- mined and used as a source of energy
mangroves- timber food, tammin
- salt marshes- grazing, have production, fences

Front 22

Give 3 examples of how wetlands have been perceived in a negative mannner

Back 22

viewed as wasteful
depicted as hell
have monsters

Front 23

Why are wetlands a misunderstood ecosystem to many people

Back 23

because they are dark, mysterious, and hard to study