How are floodways beneficial to the environment?

Floodways are beneficial to the environment primarily because they play a crucial role in returning portions of floodplains to wetlands. Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide numerous ecological services. They help with water filtration, flood control, and serve as habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including many species of birds, amphibians, and fish. When floodways facilitate the natural flooding of areas, they can help restore these wetland ecosystems, which can improve biodiversity and enhance the overall health of the environment.

In contrast, the other options do not provide environmental benefits in the same way. For instance, containing all river plants and animals is not feasible or beneficial, as ecosystems thrive on diversity and the natural movement of species. Allowing more urban development nearby often leads to habitat destruction and increased runoff, which can harm waterways rather than protect them. Increasing water flow rates can lead to riverbank erosion and sediment transport issues, which can be detrimental to both aquatic habitats and the surrounding land. Thus, the return of floodplains to wetlands stands out as the ecological advantage provided by floodways.