Forests and Other Natural Ecosystems, Such as Wetlands, Exhibit the "Sponge

Forests and other natural ecosystems, such as wetlands, exhibit the "sponge effect," meaning that they

A) soak up water from runoff and rainfall, and thus accumulate pollutants.
B) soak up water from runoff and rainfall, releasing it at a regular rate that moderates flooding of streams and rivers.
C) soak up pollutants from runoff and rainfall, releasing it quickly into streams and rivers and raising their levels.
D) draw water away from rivers and streams, lowering their levels.
E) soak up water from runoff and rainfall, saturating nearby ecosystems.