Mangroves: An Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to mangroves, their ecology, reproduction, importance, and threats.

Mangroves

Trees that grow in salty coastal areas and create rich ecosystems.

Prop roots

Roots that extend from the trunk of red mangrove trees for better stability.

Viviparous reproduction

A type of reproduction in mangroves where seeds grow while still on the parent tree.

Salt exclusion

The way mangrove roots keep most salt in water from getting in, helping the tree survive.

Lenticels

Small openings on prop roots that let gases in, important for breathing.

Tidal range

The difference in water level between high and low tides, which helps mangrove growth.

Erosion prevention

How mangroves stop land from washing away and reduce wave damage.

Carbon sinks

Mangroves that take in and store carbon, affecting carbon levels in the air.

Ecological importance

How mangroves provide homes for wildlife and protect against storms.

Threats to mangroves

Problems mangroves face like climate change, over-cutting, storms, and land development