Which of the following is a benefit of having wetlands in an ecosystem?

Wetlands play a crucial role in ecosystems and one of their primary benefits is improved water filtration. This process occurs as water flows through the wetland's complex plant root systems and soil layers, which trap pollutants, sediment, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The unique structure of wetlands allows for the natural filtration of water, effectively removing harmful contaminants before they enter streams, rivers, and lakes. This not only helps maintain water quality for surrounding habitats but also protects downstream ecosystems from degradation due to pollution.

In addition to water filtration, wetlands provide other important ecological functions, such as flood regulation, habitat for diverse species, and carbon storage, but improved water filtration specifically addresses a significant benefit to water quality management in the ecosystem. This attribute is especially vital in urbanized areas where runoff can introduce various pollutants into the water system, making wetlands a critical component of environmental health and sustainability.