APES Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves

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What are wetlands?

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Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, and support aquatic plants. They include marshes, swamps, and bogs.

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What are mangroves?

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Mangroves are coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones, providing habitat for diverse wildlife.

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What is the significance of the Florida Everglades?

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The Florida Everglades is a unique wetland ecosystem known for its biodiversity and is a successful example of wetland restoration.

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What are the economic benefits of wetlands and mangroves?

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Economic benefits include storm protection, flood risk reduction, water quality improvement, fisheries support, tourism promotion, and carbon sequestration.

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How do urban development activities impact wetlands?

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Urban development can lead to the destruction of wetlands by draining them for construction purposes, reducing their ecological functions.

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What are the effects of pollution on wetlands and mangroves?

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Pollution can contaminate water with harmful substances, leading to reduced water quality, loss of biodiversity, and harm to plant and animal species.

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How do wetlands mitigate climate change?

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Wetlands sequester carbon, regulate water flow, reduce flooding, and support biodiversity, playing a crucial role in climate change mitigation.

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What is carbon sequestration?

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Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which wetlands and mangroves help achieve.

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What role do wetlands play in flood control?

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Wetlands absorb excess rainwater and reduce runoff, helping to control flooding and protect surrounding areas.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species and their interactions.