Term 4: Unit 3: Water in South Africa: pg. 222

Question 1

What is a wetland?

Answer 1

Wetland = land area that is saturated with water.

Question 2

What unique characteristics do wetlands have?

Answer 2

The water table that stands at or near the land surface for a long period each year to support aquatic plants.

Question 3

Why are wetlands disappearing?

Answer 3

Wetlands are seen as a waste of space that could be developed, especially in urban areas where there is a shortage of land.

Question 4

Why must wetlands be conserved? Give 4 reasons.

Answer 4

1. They improve water quality because they act as natural filters and trap sediment and harmful organisms
2. They help to prevent or control floods because water that enters a wetland loses its speed.
3. They help replenish groundwater, stabilise shorelines and provide storm protection
4. They are important for biodiversity, tourism and recreation because they have a wide range of plants, birds and aquatic life