3_Coastal_habitatsa

What are mangroves?

Mangroves are trees that exist where the land meets salt water in the tropics and subtropics, with roughly 54 true species.

What adaptations do mangroves have for salt water?

Mangroves have adaptations such as salt exclusion at the roots, salt excretion by leaves, and storage of salts in cell vacuoles.

What is the primary importance of mangroves?

Mangroves serve as nurseries for juvenile fish and crustaceans, support diverse marine life, and stabilize shorelines.

What is unique about the carbon sequestration of mangroves?

1 square meter of mangroves sequesters approximately 45-55 times more carbon than 1 square meter of terrestrial forest.

What is seagrass?

Seagrass is an angiosperm plant that grows underwater in shallow marine areas with plenty of light.

What are the important economic and ecological roles of seagrass beds?

Seagrass beds prevent coastal erosion, provide refuge and food for marine species, and are productive habitats.

How do coral reefs receive their energy?

Coral reefs obtain energy from the mutualistic relationship between coral polyps and unicellular zooxanthellae algae.

What factors limit coral reef distribution?

Coral reefs require warm temperatures, shallow water, and hard substrates, and cannot tolerate turbid or low salinity waters.

Why are coral reefs important?

Coral reefs provide complex habitats for marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and support species rich diversity.

What are the major threats to coral reefs?

Coral reefs face threats from temperature changes, sedimentation, coastal development, and diseases.

What are kelp forests?

Kelp forests are composed of brown algae that grow in nutrient-rich, cooler coastal waters.

What role do kelp forests play in their ecosystem?

Kelp forests shelter diverse marine life, provide attachment sites for various invertebrates, and are highly productive.

What creates zonation in rocky intertidal shores?

Zonation occurs due to distinct physical conditions such as air exposure, water coverage, and competition for space.