Which of the following terms is synonymous with drainage basin?

A drainage basin, also known as a watershed, refers to the land area from which all of the water that drains off of it goes into a specific water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. This term encompasses all the streams and rivers that flow into a single larger body of water, and it is essential for understanding the movement and distribution of water within a particular geographic area.

The significance of the correct term, watershed, lies in its role in hydrology, as it directly impacts water quality, sediment transport, and ecosystem health within the basin. Proper management of watersheds is crucial for maintaining clean water and supporting biodiversity.

In contrast, the other terms have distinct meanings that do not correlate directly with the concept of a drainage basin. An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, and it serves a different ecological function. A wetland is a distinct ecosystem characterized by saturated soil and water presence, which can play a supportive role in watersheds but is not synonymous. A reservoir is an artificial lake used to store water, primarily for human use or recreation; it is also not interchangeable with the concept of a drainage basin. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why watershed is the appropriate term