Importance Of Wetlands Flashcards
What are examples of wetlands?
Swamps, marshes, shallow lakes and vleis.
What is the most well-known wetlands in South Africa?
St. Lucia wetlands in iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwazulu-Natal
What is a vlei?
An area of low flat ground that is soft and wet
Why are wetlands important ecosystems?
- Provide habitat and breeding ground for many different plants and animals ( esp. Plants, fish and frogs)
- Source of water for plants and animals
- Filter water ( remove soluble and insoluble substances) to make it clean
- Keep rivers and streams flowing In dry season when not much rain
What is water quality?
How safe our water is to use
What is agriculture?
Farming practices such as growing crops and raising cattle
What is industry?
Factories and businesses that manufacture or process materials and goods
Why has the world lost half of its wetlands in the last hundred years?
The population has increased.
This has meant that more land is required for housing, agriculture and industry.
Wetlands have been drained so that the land can be used.
What is biodiversity?
The term used to describe different kinds of plants, animals and other living things found in an ecosystem.
How is the biodiversity affected when wetlands are destroyed?
It decreases since plants and animals no longer have a habitat. As a result, some die and some move away.
How do wetlands act as a filter to clean water?
- Soluble substances in soaps, insecticides and fertilizers that have washed into the water are absorbed by plant, and soil and gravel at the bottom.
- Micro-organisms breakdown toilet waste
Name two other important functions of wetlands.
- They take some floodwater away from other areas, limiting the damage caused by flooding.
- It can store water when there is heavy rain, and release it when streams are less full to ensure constant flow during dry periods.
What is a wetland?
An area covered by shallow water for most of the year
