What is a distinguishing feature of marshes compared to bogs?

Marshes are characterized by the presence of visible standing water, which serves as a key distinguishing feature when compared to bogs. Marshes are wetland ecosystems that typically have herbaceous plants, such as grasses and sedges, that thrive in water-saturated soils. The presence of standing water is crucial for these plants to grow, and marshes often flood during certain seasons.

In contrast, bogs tend to have a build-up of sphagnum moss, which creates a unique acidic environment. This acidity is a significant feature of bogs, as it affects the types of flora and fauna that can survive there, favoring acid-loving plants. While bogs can retain water, they do not sustain standing water in the same way marshes do, as they are often saturated rather than flooded.

Biodiversity can also differ between these ecosystems. Marshes generally support a higher variety of plant and animal species due to the availability of water and nutrients, while bogs often have lower biodiversity due to their acidic conditions and specific plant communities. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of visible standing water is what sets marshes apart from bogs.