World Wetlands Day Trivia Quiz

The Ramsar Convention was signed on February 2, 1972.

Rivers are not an example of a human-made wetland because they are natural water bodies that are formed by the flow of water over time. While humans can modify rivers through activities such as damming or diverting them, they are not created by humans. Fish ponds, rice paddies, and salt pans, on the other hand, are all examples of wetlands that have been created or modified by humans for specific purposes such as fish farming, rice cultivation, or salt production.

In the last 50 years, 35% of wetlands have disappeared. This means that over a third of these important ecosystems have been lost. Wetlands provide numerous benefits, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species. The loss of wetlands can have significant negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity. Efforts should be made to conserve and restore these valuable ecosystems.

Wetlands are often referred to as the "Kidneys of Earth" because they perform a vital function in filtering and purifying water. Just like the kidneys in our body, wetlands help remove harmful substances, pollutants, and excess nutrients from water, making it cleaner and healthier. Wetlands also help regulate water flow, prevent flooding, and recharge groundwater, similar to how kidneys regulate fluid balance in our bodies. Additionally, wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals, further highlighting their importance in maintaining the overall health and functioning of the Earth's ecosystems.

The first Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997. This suggests that prior to this year, there was no specific day dedicated to raising awareness about wetlands. The establishment of Wetlands Day in 1997 indicates a growing recognition of the importance of wetlands and the need to protect and conserve them.

Lagoons are not an example of inland wetlands because they are typically found along coastlines or in coastal areas, rather than inland. Inland wetlands, on the other hand, are found away from the coast and can include marshes, peatlands, and floodplains.

The theme for World Wetlands Day 2023 is "Revive and restore degraded wetlands." This suggests that the focus of the day will be on taking action to improve and rehabilitate wetland areas that have been damaged or degraded. It highlights the importance of preserving and restoring these ecosystems, which provide numerous benefits such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for biodiversity. By emphasizing the need to revive and restore degraded wetlands, the theme encourages individuals and organizations to take proactive steps towards conservation and sustainability.

40% of all plants and animal species live or breed in wetlands. Wetlands are highly diverse ecosystems that provide essential habitats for a wide range of species. They offer abundant food sources, nesting grounds, and protection from predators, making them ideal environments for many plants and animals to thrive. The high percentage of species found in wetlands highlights the critical role these habitats play in supporting biodiversity and the need to protect and conserve them.

When wetlands are drained and destroyed, they emit carbon dioxide in large quantities. Wetlands are natural sinks for carbon, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, when wetlands are drained, the organic matter in the soil decomposes and releases carbon dioxide into the air. This process contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Methane is also emitted from wetlands, but carbon dioxide is emitted in larger quantities. Nitrogen and ozone are not directly emitted from wetlands when they are drained and destroyed.

Wetlands cover approximately 6% of the Earth's land area. Wetlands are areas where water is either permanently or temporarily present, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, help in controlling floods, filter water, and store carbon. Despite their relatively small coverage, wetlands are incredibly important for biodiversity and the overall health of the planet.