Wetlands
Bays & Estuaries
Ecoregions
Migration
Tides/Human Impacts
100
What is a wetland?
An area where water covers the soil at or above the surface with vegetation adapted to the presence of water and various soils.
100
Bays and estuaries are both located on the coast, however, the difference is that _________ have an existing connection to flowing water, like a river or stream.
Estuaries
100
What are the 2 categories of wetlands?
Coastal and Freshwater
100
In which flyway would ducks, geese, and other waterfowl be expected to be observed during migration season?
Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic
100
How can tides influence salinity in wetland area?
Tides increase the salinity during high tides.
200
How do wetlands provide natural flood control?
Wetlands take in excess water, absorb it and let the water slowly back into the runoff.
200
True or false? A local factory does water quality testing for toxic substances to monitor their current methods for disposal procedures is a positive impact on estuaries.
True.
200
Which color in the picture represent the ecoregion that has coastal wetlands?
light brown
200
True or false. Birds use an internal clock as a navigation method.
False
200
What is a reason for habitat loss in wetlands?
Redirecting water flow; Human disturbances
300
What type of water can be found in a wetland?
Salt, fresh, and/or brackish
300
Depth measurements in the Galveston Bay can change throughout the year.
What would be the most likely reason for a change in depth in the Galveston Bay?
Tidal changes
300
Which ecoregion of Texas would this wetland most likely belong to?
Piney Woods
300
What are the reasons wetlands are so important for migratory birds?
1. Plenty of food sources are available.
2. Shelter is provided by wetland vegetation.
3. Breeding grounds for many different species of birds.
300
Name 3 human impacts would be threatening to an estuary?
Draining, Filling, Dredging, Damming
400
Name 3 important features of any wetland?
Types of soil, Hydrology, Vegetation types
400
What are two challenges that the Galveston Bay is currently facing?
Population growth in the Houston region and declining sea grass meadows.
400
What is the difference between a coastal and freshwater wetland?
Freshwater forms wherever shallow water collects on the land.
Coastal forms where saltwater and freshwater mix together.
400
What are three important features of wetlands for migratory birds?
1. Limited fragmentation of the wetland
2. Size of the wetland
3. Hydroperiod
400
How can human disrupt the natural flood control ability of the wetlands?
Building levees along the rivers, Digging drainage ditches through the wetlands, Channelizing streams, etc.
500
What is a unique feature of tidal wetlands locations?
Found near the shores of oceans with rivers and streams influenced by changing tides.
500
What are three major goals of the Back the Bay campaign?
Improve water quality, conserve water, and protect critical fish and wildlife habitats
500
Which two colors of ecoregions receive the most annual rainfall?
Light brown (or tan) and seafoam
500
What are the reasons wetlands are so important for migratory birds?
Plenty of food sources are available, Shelter is provided by wetland vegetation, Breeding grounds for many different species of birds.
500
There are many factors that may influence tides. Name at least 2 factors that have an impact on tides in coastal wetlands.
1. Relative distances, positions, and movement of the Sun, moon, and Earth.
2. The shapes of bays and estuaries.
3. Local wind and weather pattens.