The Wonder of Wetlands

Flashcards designed to review key concepts and details related to wetlands from the lecture notes.

What is the definition of wetlands according to the federal government for regulating wetland destruction?

Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency sufficient to support vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil.

What are the three parameters that must be satisfied for an area to qualify as a wetland?

Wetland hydrology, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydric soil.

What does hydric soil mean in the context of wetland definition?

Soils that are anoxic due to saturation and predominantly support hydrophytes.

What adaptation is primarily required for plants to survive in wetlands?

The ability to obtain oxygen down to their roots.

How does the Tao Te Ching view the relationship between man and nature?

Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao.

What are ecosystem services provided by wetlands?

Benefits derived from ecosystems, such as water purification, biodiversity support, and recreational opportunities.

What is the relationship between Homo sapiens and the rest of nature as discussed in the lecture?

Human population growth and its impact on extinction rates, potentially leading to the sixth mass extinction.

How do different religions view the relationship between nature and humanity?

Many religions espouse a love of nature, seeing it as sacred or divine.

What are the four realms of nature defined by the pre-Socratic period in Ancient Greek philosophy?

Spiritual, mythical, aesthetic, and physical.

Which wetland type occurs at a river according to the NWI system?

Riverine wetlands.

What is the significance of the Great Dismal Swamp as discussed in the notes?

It is a large wetland area located 15 miles from Virginia Beach, showcasing the proximity of urban areas to significant natural habitats.