380 Natural Resources Systems Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 14. The methods used to help conserve and restore wetlands include creation, replication, reallocation or replacement, and ______. A. redevelopment B. redistribution C. encroachment D. enhancement 15. True or False? Enhancements are commonly made to repair damage to a wetland. A. True B. False Thinking Critically 1. Identify three of the major threats to coral reefs and briefl y explain how the threat damages a coral reef wetland. 2. What purpose does an aquatic buffer serve? 3. Identify three roles wetlands play in our environment. 4. Some serotinous plants rely on fi re as an environmental stimulus to release and open seeds. While fi re is important in this process, it is not considered benefi cial to humans and developed properties. What alternatives to fi re are available to provide for a continued habitat in areas with these types of serotinous plants and protect the humans in the area? 5. Coral reef wetlands cover only 0.2% of the ocean fl oors and are a small part of the aquatic ecosystem. Why is it so important to protect coral reef wetlands? STEM and Academic Activities 1. Science. Research components of bogs and fens and create miniature versions of these wetlands in plastic bottles or in small aquariums. Establish the substrate using materials such as gravel, clay, soil, peat, sand, and mosses. Collect rain water to hydrate the bog and collect stream or untreated groundwater to hydrate the fen. Compare the two wetlands over the course of multiple weeks. Expand your experiment by exposing your wetlands to different temperatures, amounts of sunlight, levels of humidity, and pollutants. Observe and note how each wetland responds. 2. Technology. Lily pads, turtles, alligators, and many other wetland species use little energy to fl oat on the water surface. Study these living beings and determine what parts of their design allow them to do so. Design a boat that uses these features. How does wildlife structure assist with function? 3. Engineering. Rice is one of the most important crops in the world and it relies on wetlands for production. Research rice production and determine alternative ways to produce this product instead of using natural wetlands. 4. Math. Research the types of plants and wildlife that grow in local wetlands. Using this information, choose a real location and design a new wetland. Determine the types and number of ideal plants that should be planted to support typical wildlife populations without exceeding the wetland’s carrying capacity. Avoid overcrowding and overuse of available nutrients.