1/10
Looks like no tags are added yet.
Name | Mastery | Learn | Test | Matching | Spaced |
---|
No study sessions yet.
The mangrove ecosystem
The mangrove ecosystem is considered as a wetland ecosystem. They can be found on the majority coastlines in the Bahamas.
Mangrove habitats
Mangroves grow in areas with:
Low wave action
High salinity/ brackish water
Tidal friction
What organisms feed on
A rich food source provided by fallen leaves (detritus)
Importance of wetlands
Flood control- the low lying areas reduces flooding
Coastal protection- roots and stems break waves helping to reduce inland flooding and erosion
Water supply- water that drains into wetlands replenishes the groundwater supply
Nursery- rich in nutrients and red mangrove roots protect juveniles from predators
The 4 types of mangrove plants
Red mangrove
Black mangrove
White mangrove
Bottonwood
Anoxic definition
Without/ lacks oxygen
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.
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 .
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.
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.
Threats to the mangrove ecosystem
Deforestation for urban development- removing mangrove swaps for buildings
Dredging and Filling operations- Digging up the coastline and filling land
Pollution- Litter, dumping, and oil spills
Invasive species- species that may endanger or compete for the habitat.
Climate change
Tropical storms/ hurricanes