The correct answer is (d). Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They play an important role in the environment by filtering water, providing habitat for wildlife, and storing carbon.
One of the most important functions of wetlands is to filter water. Wetlands act as a natural filter, removing pollutants from runoff water before it reaches streams, rivers, and lakes. This helps to protect water quality and aquatic life.
Wetlands also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Many animals, including fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, rely on wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Wetlands are also important for migratory birds, providing a place to rest and refuel during their long journeys.
In addition, wetlands help to store carbon. Wetlands store carbon in the soil and in the bodies of plants and animals. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Overall, wetlands play an important role in the environment. They filter water, provide habitat for wildlife, and store carbon. These functions make wetlands essential for a healthy planet.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
(a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation. This is true, but it is not the function of wetlands that best reflects the statement that “if rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.”
(b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluses, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive. This is also true, but it is not the function of wetlands that best reflects the statement that “if rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.”
(c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilieation. This is true, but it is not the function of wetlands that best reflects the statement that “if rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.”
(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. This is the function of wetlands that best reflects the statement that “if rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Wetlands filter water and remove pollutants, including heavy metals and excess nutrients. This helps to protect water quality and aquatic life.