Evolution
The
term ‘mangroves’, cannot be used to refer to a single species. Rather,
it is a polyphyletic term used to describe over 70 species that can be
found in coastal regions.
Morphologically speaking, they are
very diverse. Mangroves are some of the only plants that are able to
survive in a saltwater environment. They generally grow in muddy,
coastal environments. To cope with the salty water, some
species of mangrove trees excrete the salt via glands on their leaves.
Others absorb only the ions they need from the water, through a process
known as ultrafiltration. Many mangrove species are also viviparous or
cryptoviviparous, where the embryo grows into a partially mature
propagule while still attached to the parent plant before dropping off
and being dispersed.
Perhaps due to their hardy nature, they
cover more than 75% of tropical coastlines. Their presence reduces
coastal erosion by the waves. There is evidence that mangrove forests
can buffer the wave energy of even incoming tsunamis. They also provide a
home for the myriad of animals that live there, many of which can be
eaten by humans!
Besides food, many resources such as charcoal
and attap can be obtained from the mangrove forests. It was also
recently discovered that mangroves were one of the most efficient carbon
sinks in the world, making them very important in removing atmospheric
greenhouse gases.
Despite their beauty and usefulness, many
mangrove forests are seen as ‘wasted space’ and are being chopped down
to build human facilities and housing developments. This turns a carbon
sink into a carbon source. Furthermore, many animals lose their homes,
often becoming endangered as a result. It is important to conserve this
beautiful ecosystem.
Read all about it!
http://
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
Image Source
http://
Taken while Sir Attenborough was filming Life in Cold Blood in Singapore
The
term ‘mangroves’, cannot be used to refer to a single species. Rather,
it is a polyphyletic term used to describe over 70 species that can be
found in coastal regions.
Morphologically speaking, they are very diverse. Mangroves are some of the only plants that are able to survive in a saltwater environment. They generally grow in muddy, coastal environments. To cope with the salty water, some
Morphologically speaking, they are very diverse. Mangroves are some of the only plants that are able to survive in a saltwater environment. They generally grow in muddy, coastal environments. To cope with the salty water, some
species of mangrove trees excrete the salt via glands on their leaves.
Others absorb only the ions they need from the water, through a process known as ultrafiltration. Many mangrove species are also viviparous or cryptoviviparous, where the embryo grows into a partially mature propagule while still attached to the parent plant before dropping off and being dispersed.
Perhaps due to their hardy nature, they cover more than 75% of tropical coastlines. Their presence reduces coastal erosion by the waves. There is evidence that mangrove forests can buffer the wave energy of even incoming tsunamis. They also provide a home for the myriad of animals that live there, many of which can be eaten by humans!
Besides food, many resources such as charcoal and attap can be obtained from the mangrove forests. It was also recently discovered that mangroves were one of the most efficient carbon sinks in the world, making them very important in removing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Despite their beauty and usefulness, many mangrove forests are seen as ‘wasted space’ and are being chopped down to build human facilities and housing developments. This turns a carbon sink into a carbon source. Furthermore, many animals lose their homes, often becoming endangered as a result. It is important to conserve this beautiful ecosystem.
Read all about it!
http://
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
Image Source
http://
Taken while Sir Attenborough was filming Life in Cold Blood in Singapore
Others absorb only the ions they need from the water, through a process known as ultrafiltration. Many mangrove species are also viviparous or cryptoviviparous, where the embryo grows into a partially mature propagule while still attached to the parent plant before dropping off and being dispersed.
Perhaps due to their hardy nature, they cover more than 75% of tropical coastlines. Their presence reduces coastal erosion by the waves. There is evidence that mangrove forests can buffer the wave energy of even incoming tsunamis. They also provide a home for the myriad of animals that live there, many of which can be eaten by humans!
Besides food, many resources such as charcoal and attap can be obtained from the mangrove forests. It was also recently discovered that mangroves were one of the most efficient carbon sinks in the world, making them very important in removing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Despite their beauty and usefulness, many mangrove forests are seen as ‘wasted space’ and are being chopped down to build human facilities and housing developments. This turns a carbon sink into a carbon source. Furthermore, many animals lose their homes, often becoming endangered as a result. It is important to conserve this beautiful ecosystem.
Read all about it!
http://
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
Image Source
http://
Taken while Sir Attenborough was filming Life in Cold Blood in Singapore
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