Wetlands play several crucial roles in nature, including:
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Biodiversity: Wetlands provide habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals, including many rare and endangered species.
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Flood control: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfalls and reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.
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Water purification: Wetlands help filter and purify water by trapping sediments and pollutants, improving water quality for both wildlife and humans.
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Carbon storage: Wetlands store large amounts of carbon in their soils, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
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Shoreline stabilization: Wetlands help prevent erosion along coastlines and riverbanks by absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact of storms.
Overall, wetlands are valuable ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both the environment and society.