CW2:0323
From Environmental Technology
Chesapeake Bay Ecosystems
QUESTIONS
1. Wetlands are the areas made up of a mixture of water and land. Wetlands are classified into two different groups: estuarine and palustrine<U>. Wetlands can also be characterized by their vegitation. For example, some wetlands are dominated by grasses; others are dominated by forests. 2. Wetlands are used for many different purposes.
- They help prevent flooding in neighboring areas
- They absorb pollutants from the water
- They serve as a buffer zone between rivers and high ground protecting against erosion
3. The forests used to cover 95 percent of the Bay area. Now they only cover 60 percent. That makes a percentage loss of 35 percent. There are 50 tree species and over 2700 plant species.
4. Forests help improve water quality by absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff. They also are a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife. They are capable of trapping nitrogen and other polluntants in the air. They also serve as a place for recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc.
5.
