What are indicator species in wetland environments?

Indicator species in wetland environments are crucial for understanding the health and condition of those ecosystems. They are defined as species that reflect specific environmental conditions through their presence or absence. This means that the presence of these species can indicate a certain level of water quality, soil conditions, or habitat stability, which makes them essential for ecological monitoring.

For instance, certain aquatic plants or animals thrive only in clean, unpolluted water, while others may tolerate or even thrive in highly disturbed environments. By monitoring changes in the populations or diversity of these indicator species, scientists and environmental managers can assess the overall health of the wetland, determine the effects of pollution or habitat destruction, and develop conservation strategies.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts. While the first choice suggests a general resilience to all environments, that does not apply to indicator species, which are specifically tied to particular ecological conditions. The mention of endangered species addresses concerns of conservation but does not relate to the role of indicator species in signaling environmental quality. Lastly, non-native species may offer insights into invasive concerns but fail to provide reliable information on wetland health, as their presence does not necessarily correlate with local environmental conditions.