The mangrove ecosystem

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11 Terms

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The mangrove ecosystem

The mangrove ecosystem is considered as a wetland ecosystem. They can be found on the majority coastlines in the Bahamas.

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Mangrove habitats

Mangroves grow in areas with:

  1. Low wave action

  2. High salinity/ brackish water

  3. Tidal friction

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What organisms feed on

A rich food source provided by fallen leaves (detritus)

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Importance of wetlands

  1. Flood control- the low lying areas reduces flooding

  2. Coastal protection- roots and stems break waves helping to reduce inland flooding and erosion

  3. Water supply- water that drains into wetlands replenishes the groundwater supply

  4. Nursery- rich in nutrients and red mangrove roots protect juveniles from predators

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The 4 types of mangrove plants

  1. Red mangrove

  2. Black mangrove

  3. White mangrove

  4. Bottonwood

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Anoxic definition

Without/ lacks oxygen

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Red mangroves

They grow in the waters a long the shore. They have reddish colored prop roots to stabilize the tree in the soft mud. These roots have lenticels which provide air to the root system.

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Black mangrove

Grows on the shoreline, between the low and high tide mark. They have breathing roots, which have lenticels that allows air to diffuse into the root system, making up for the anoxic conditions .

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White mangroves

Found further inland and tends to be less salt tolerant. Sometimes the same roots as black mangroves (breathing roots) but if present, they are fewer in number.

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Buttonwood mangroves

Are not true mangroves but are often found with mangroves at the edge of the wetlands. They do not have special root adaptations.

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Threats to the mangrove ecosystem

  1. Deforestation for urban development- removing mangrove swaps for buildings

  2. Dredging and Filling operations- Digging up the coastline and filling land

  3. Pollution- Litter, dumping, and oil spills

  4. Invasive species- species that may endanger or compete for the habitat.

  5. Climate change

  6. Tropical storms/ hurricanes