Chp 6.4

What are wetlands?

areas of land that are periodically underwater or have soil that contains a great deal of moisture.

Why are wetlands important?

they provide habitat for thousands of species of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals.

What is the primary difference between marshes and swamps?

Marshes contain non-woody plants, while swamps are dominated by woody plants.

What defines salt marshes?

they develop in estuaries where rivers deposit mineral-rich mud and absorb pollutants, supporting various ecological communities.

What are mangrove swamps?

swamps located along coastal areas of tropical and subtropical zones, helping protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage.

What is an estuary?

An estuary is a protected harbor that provides access to the ocean and connects to a river.

What are common threats to estuaries?

Common threats include sewage, industrial waste containing toxic chemicals, and agricultural runoff of pesticides and fertilizers.

What are coral reefs?

are limestone ridges built by coral polyps, hosting thousands of species and among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

What threats do coral reefs face?

Threats to coral reefs include oil spills, sewage, pesticide runoff, silt runoff, and overfishing.

What is plankton?

are mostly microscopic organisms that drift freely in water, including zooplankton (animals) and phytoplankton (plants).

What is nekton?

includes all organisms that swim actively in open water, independent of currents.

What does biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) refer to?

refers to the amount of dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in a water sample over time.

What is the littoral zone?

is a shallow freshwater habitat where light reaches the bottom, supporting diverse plant and aquatic life.

What organisms are commonly found in the euphotic zone?

Common organisms in the euphotic zone include sharks, rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, corals, and zooplankton.

What is the benthic zone?

is the region near the bottom of a body of water inhabited by decomposers, insect larvae, clams, and various other organisms.

What are barrier islands?

are long ridges of sand or narrow islands that protect the mainland from ocean waves and storm surges.

Why are barrier islands important?

They absorb wave energy, minimize flooding and erosion, and safeguard coastal communities and ecosystems.