Estuary is characterized by:

Options

A. High species diversity
B. Quick removal of waste
C. Maximum turbulence and year round succession of organisms
D. All of these

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Estuary**: An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers or streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. This unique environment is characterized by a gradient of salinity, which varies from freshwater to brackish water.

2. **High Species Diversity**: Estuaries are known for their high species diversity. The mixing of freshwater and saltwater creates a rich habitat that supports a wide variety of organisms, including fish, birds, and invertebrates. This diversity is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance.

3. **Quick Removal of Waste**: Estuaries have a high capacity for waste removal. The flow of freshwater from rivers helps to dilute and carry away pollutants, making estuaries relatively clean environments compared to other coastal areas.

4. **Year-Round Succession of Species**: Estuaries experience continuous species succession throughout the year. This means that different species may dominate at different times, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability.

5. **Maximum Turbulence**: The mixing of freshwater and saltwater creates a turbulent environment. This turbulence is important for nutrient mixing and distribution, which supports the diverse array of life found in estuaries.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the characteristics of an estuary include high species diversity, quick removal of waste, year-round succession of organisms, and maximum turbulence.