mangroves
anachalie and sophie
vocabulary
*Processes/Dynamics/Abiotic Factors
*Topography
*Human impacts
*Vegetation
*Animals and plants native to ecosystem
*Fauna
SUBSTRATES
TOPOGRAPHY
VEGETATION
Three species of true mangroves—red mangrove dominates middle and lower portions of intertidal and upper subtidal zone; black mangrove dominates upper intertidal zone and irregularly flooded higher elevations; white mangrove is found in patches in higher parts of intertidal zone; buttonwood is often on upland fringe; all grow as trees or large shrubs.
PROCESSES / DYNAMICS / ABIOTIC FACTORS:
Limited by temperature to tropics and subtropics; fluctuations of water level necessary for proper development; salt water excludes potential plant competitors; hurricanes may prevent mangroves from reaching maximum heights.
HUMAN IMPACTS
Thousands of acres have been destroyed and replaced with filled and developed land; can be seriously damaged by oil spills and herbicides; both sport and commercial fisheries decline when mangroves are destroyed.