ParaPro Practice Test 5
Question 9
Wetlands—marshes, swamps, and bogs—are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Though often dismissed as wastelands to be drained and developed, they provide services to communities that nothing else can replace. Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water before it reaches rivers and streams. They absorb floodwaters, reducing damage to nearby homes and farms. Hundreds of bird species nest in wetlands, and many fish depend on them for breeding grounds. Despite their value, more than half of the world's wetlands have been lost since 1900, mostly to agriculture and urban development. Scientists now recognize that protecting wetlands is not only an environmental priority but also an economic one. What is the main argument of this passage?
