UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 88
"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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.)
Explanation: Wetland vegetation and microbial processes filter pollutants, absorb nutrients and trap some heavy metals, much like kidneys remove wastes.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Runoff, percolation and evaporation describe hydrology, not the “kidney” filtering analogy.
B. Incorrect-Food-web support explains wetland biodiversity, not specifically pollutant removal.
C. Incorrect-Erosion/sediment stability is important, but does not best capture removing dissolved contaminants.
D. Correct-aquatic plants and associated processes remove nutrients and contaminants from water.