Background: When soil is flooded, hypoxia develops, as soil microorganisms consume oxygen faster than diffusion occurs. The presence of hypoxic soils is one of the defining characteristics of wetlands. Many wetland plants possess aerenchyma, and in some, such as water-lilies, there is mass flow of atmospheric air through leaves and rhizomes. There are many other chemical consequences of hypoxia. For example, nitrification is inhibited as low oxygen occurs and toxic compounds are formed, as anaerobic bacteria use nitrate, manganese, and sulfate as alternative electron acceptors. The reduction-oxidation potential of the rhizhosphere decreases and metal ions such as iron and manganese precipitate. Aerenchyma is a modification of the parenchyma.

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was in fact some wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had more flooded soil?
Answer: Eastern

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was in fact some wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had no flooded soil?
Answer: Western

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had hypoxia develop in the soil?
Answer: Eastern

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land didn't have hypoxia developing in the soil?
Answer: Western

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had more wetland plants growing on it?
Answer: Eastern

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had fewer wetland plants growing on it?
Answer: Western

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had soil with inhibited nitrification?
Answer: Eastern

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land didn't have soil with inhibited nitrification?
Answer: Western

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had more soil microorganisms consuming oxygen faster than diffusion occurs?
Answer: Eastern

Situation: Owen inherited two pieces of land. The Eastern land was covered in wetlands, not very good for building or farming on it, but the Western land had a good rich soil good for agriculture.

Question: Which land had fewer soil microorganisms consuming oxygen faster than diffusion occurs?
Answer: Western