What is a "vernal pool"?

A vernal pool is classified as a temporary wetland that typically fills with water in the spring and may dry up in the summer months. This unique hydrological pattern creates an ephemeral habitat that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life adapted to these seasonal changes. Because they are not permanent bodies of water, vernal pools provide critical breeding habitats for certain amphibians and invertebrates, which rely on these environments for reproduction when they are filled with water.

In contrast, the other options describe water bodies that are characterized by consistency in water levels, such as permanent water bodies or ponds that remain full year-round, which do not align with the defining feature of a vernal pool. Thus, the focus on the temporary nature of vernal pools and their ecological significance supports the accuracy of the correct answer.