How do you determine the name of a watershed?

• A. By the plants it supports
• B. By the body of water it flows into
• C. By its geographical location
• D. By its soil type

Answer: (B)

The name of a watershed is typically determined by the body of water it flows into. This is because watersheds are defined as areas of land that channel rainfall and snowmelt to rivers, lakes, and streams. The drainage pattern and the ultimate outlet where the water congregates give a watershed its identity. For instance, a watershed that drains into the Mississippi River will be named accordingly, encapsulating all the tributaries and smaller bodies of water that contribute to the river's flow.

On the other hand, while the plants it supports, its geographical location, and soil types can provide important information about a watershed, they do not define its name. The identification and designation largely rely on the hydrological connections to the receiving water bodies, making the body of water the central reference point in naming a watershed.