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“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.
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
The analogy compares wetlands to kidneys because both organs filter waste. Just as kidneys remove toxins and excess substances from the blood, wetlands purify water by absorbing pollutants like heavy metals and excess nutrients through the action of aquatic plants and microorganisms. This filtration process is crucial for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health, mirroring the excretory function of biological kidneys.
Source: UPSC gs1 2022