Wetlands are areas of land that are covered with water during some part of the year and are classified based on their vegetation. There are three main types of wetlands: swamps which are dominated by trees and shrubs; marshes which lack trees and shrubs and form near rivers and lakes; and bogs which receive water only from rain and have developed unique ways for plants to access nutrients, such as carnivorous plants. Wetlands are important habitats for many animals and provide valuable functions like absorbing flood waters, trapping sediments, and removing nutrients from waterways.

2. Chapter: Freshwater at Earth’s Surface Table of Contents Section 3: Wetlands Section 1: Streams Section 2: Lakes and Reservoirs Section 4: Pollution of Freshwater

16. Section Check 3 Question 1 Which are used to classify wetlands as marshes, swamps, or bogs? A. nutrients B. the amount of water in the area C. types of organisms living there D. types of vegetation growing there NC: 3.02

17. Section Check 3 Answer The answer is D. Wetlands are defined by their vegetation. NC: 3.02

18. Section Check 3 Question 2 What type of wetlands formed in depressions that were created by glaciers? A. bog B. man-made C. marsh D. swamp NC: 3.02

19. Section Check 3 Answer The answer is A. The only source of freshwater for bogs is rain. NC: 3.02

20. Section Check 3 Question 3 List some reasons why wetlands are an important resource. NC: 3.07

21. Section Check 3 Answer Wetlands act as a natural sponge, soaking up excess water from rain, melting snow, and floods and then slowly releasing it. They help protect shorelines and stream banks against erosion because plant roots slow the speed of water. Wetlands also slow the rate of eutrophication because their plant roots take up excess nutrients. NC: 3.07