Lesson 7 - Impacts of Drought on Ecosystems

Question 1

What are wetlands?

Answer 1

Wetlands are areas that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs and fens.

Question 2

Why are wetland important?

Answer 2

Wetlands are highly significant as they act as temporary water stores within the hydrological cycle. This means that they mitigate river foods downstream and protect land from destructive erosion by acting as washlands, and recharging aquifers.

Question 3

Give two advantages of wetlands?

Answer 3

• They are extremely biodiverse
• They store large volumes of water

Question 4

What is the impact of drought on wetlands?

Answer 4

• Habitat loss, less biodiversity
• Less infiltration which will impact the soil quality
• More water contamination
• Wetlands lose their ability to store carbon when they are dried out therefore they become a contributor to climate change.

Question 5

Why are forests important?

Answer 5

• Forests are highly valued for their ecological functions and services such as:
• Water storage and the regulation of hydrological processes
• Timber production
• Carbon sequestration (the removal and storage of carbon)

Question 6

What is the impact of drought on forests?

Answer 6

• Death of wildlife and a decrease in biodiversity
• The removal of trees will increase the rate of surface runoff leading to an increased risk of floods
• Forest fires, more carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere therefore amplifying climate change
• Some species will have a lower resistance to drought, they will become more vulnerable to pests and diseases