Even though Indiana forests cover almost 25% of the state and Indiana wetlands cover only 1%, the wetlands have more biodiversity.
Which of the following explains why?
(1 point)
Responses
Wetlands act as a sponge for rainfall and help to prevent flooding.
Wetlands act as a sponge for rainfall and help to prevent flooding.
Bass, pike, and lamprey eels live there and animals like to eat them.
Bass, pike, and lamprey eels live there and animals like to eat them.
The famous morel mushroom lives there and all creatures migrate to wetlands to eat it.
The famous morel mushroom lives there and all creatures migrate to wetlands to eat it.
The animals from the other ecosystems come to wetlands to eat, drink, and mate.
The animals from the other ecosystems come to wetlands to eat, drink, and mate.
The bluegill is a type of fish that lives in Indiana ponds. It's diet consists of insects, snails, other small fish, and fish eggs. What role does the bluegill play in the food web of a pond?(1 point)
Responses
The bluegill is a primary consumer.
The bluegill is a primary consumer.
The bluegill is a secondary consumer.
The bluegill is a secondary consumer.
The bluegill is a tertiary consumer.
The bluegill is a tertiary consumer.
The bluegill is a decomposer.
The bluegill is a secondary consumer.
The correct answer is:
Wetlands act as a sponge for rainfall and help to prevent flooding.
Explanation:
The reason why wetlands have more biodiversity, despite covering a smaller area compared to Indiana forests, is because of their unique ecological function. Wetlands act as natural filters, absorbing and purifying water that flows through them. They also act as a sponge for rainfall, absorbing excess water and preventing flooding in surrounding areas.
This water retention and purification capability creates a diverse and fertile habitat that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. Wetlands provide a variety of niches and resources, such as food sources, nesting areas, and breeding grounds, which attract a greater abundance and diversity of organisms.
So, wetlands attract not only the animals that live in them, but also provide resources that draw animals from other ecosystems. This influx of species from different habitats further contributes to the high biodiversity observed in wetlands.