"If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys." Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ?
A
The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
B
Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
C
Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
D
Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Correct Answer
Explanation
Option (d) is correct because wetlands function like kidneys by filtering and purifying water, where aquatic plants and microorganisms absorb pollutants, heavy metals, and excess nutrients. While option (c) is a valid function of wetlands, it describes physical structural support and sedimentation rather than the biochemical filtration process implied by the kidney analogy. The core concept being tested is the specific ecosystem service of bio-filtration and the role of wetlands in maintaining water quality.
WetlandsFunctions of WetlandsWetlandskidneys of Earthwater purificationheavy metalsexcess nutrientsaquatic plantsabsorption