Which of the following best describes marshes?

Marshes are best defined as wetlands that are predominantly characterized by herbaceous plants, particularly grasses. This type of ecosystem is typically found in areas that experience frequent flooding or standing water and exhibit a rich variety of plant species that thrive in both saturated soil and wet conditions. Grasses are the dominant vegetation in marshes, which play a crucial role in providing habitat for wildlife, filtering pollutants, and contributing to the overall health of coastal and freshwater ecosystems.

In contrast, wetlands with trees are indicative of swamps, which have a distinctly different ecosystem profile than marshes. Submerged plants are primarily found in aquatic ecosystems such as ponds or shallow lakes rather than marshes, which focus on emergent vegetation. A dry ecosystem does not qualify as a wetland at all, as wetlands, by definition, require the presence of water to maintain their unique characteristics and biodiversity. Therefore, the defining feature of a marsh is its dominance of grasses, positioning it distinctly within the classification of wetland ecosystems.