Quiz Chapter 10

NAME: AMYLIA YASMIN BINTI A. GHANI

MATRIC NO: S62148

You need to discuss on:

1) Morphology structure of mangroves

- mangrove, any of certain shrubs and trees that belong primarily to the families
Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, and Arecaceae; that grow
in dense thickets or forests along tidal estuaries, in salt marshes, and on muddy coasts;
and that characteristically have prop roots—i.e., exposed supporting roots. The term
mangrove also applies to thickets and forests of such plants. Respiratory or knee roots
(pneumatophores) are characteristic of many species; they project above the mud and
have small openings (lenticels) through which air enters, passing through the soft
spongy tissue to the roots beneath the mud.

Its functions

Leaves-
The leaves are evergreen due to the rainfall, tropical climate and constanttemperatures
all year round. Due to high temperature present, the surafaces are thick and leathery,
preventing excess water loss through transpiration.To limit the amount of water lost
through leaves, the can restrict theopening of the stomata. They also vary the
orientation of their leaves to avoid the harsh midday sun and so reduce evaporation
from the leaves. A red mangrove in captivity only grows if its leaves are misted with
fresh water several times a week, simulating the frequent tropical rainstorms. These
leaves have drip tips to allow excess rainwater to be able to drain or flow off quickly,
preventing harmful bacteria from growing on it.

Stem- Several mangrove species deposit sodium and chloride in the bark of stems and
roots.

Roots- Root systems that arch high over the water are a distinctive feature of many
mangrove species. These aerial roots take several forms. Some are stilt roots that
branch and loop off the trunk and lower branches. Others are wide, wavy plank roots
that extend away from the trunk.

Flower-
Seeds- Mangrove propagules germinate while still on the tree! This is an adaptation
that helps then to grow rapidly upon falling to the soil below once they are ripe. Once
germinated, the seedling grows either within the fruit or out through the fruit to form a
propagule (a ready-to-go seedling) which can produce its own food via photosynthesis.
Once mature, it will drop into the water. Propagules can survive desiccation and
remain dormant for over a year before arriving in a suitable environment. Once a
propagule is ready to root, its density changes so that the elongated shape now floats
vertically rather than horizontally whereby it is more likely to lodge in the mud and
root.

2) Habitats (state the location where you can find the

mangrove)
-Mangroves grow in sheltered tropical and subtropical coastal areas across the globe.
In general, this is an area between latitudes of 25 degrees north and 25 degrees south,
however, geographical limits are highly variable depending upon the area of the world
and local climates. A major restriction for where mangroves can live is temperature.
The cooler temperatures of northern temperate regions prove too much for the
mangroves. A fluctuation of ten degrees in a short period of time is enough stress to
damage the plant and freezing temperatures for even a few hours can kill some
mangrove species. However, rising temperatures and sea level due to climate change
are allowing mangroves to expand their ranges farther away from the equator and
encroach on temperate wetlands, like salt marshes. Also, on some isolated tropical
islands, such as Hawaii and Tahiti, mangroves are not native and are sometimes
considered invasive species.

3) Five (5) Ecological importance of mangrove

I. Mangroves aid in soil formation and stabilization of the sediment and coastal
areas.
II. Protection of coastal communities from wind, waves or storms – as buffer, by
reducing the energy of waves
III. Mangroves filter land run-off as well as remove terrestrial organic matter.
IV. Mangroves serve as habitats, spawning & nursery grounds for many species of
invertebrate & vertebrates as well as larger birds.
V. Mangroves are major producers of detritus that contribute to offshore
productivity and a very rich benthic community

4) Five (5) Economical importance of mangrove

I. The most important product from South East Asia’s mangrove forests is wood for
charcoal manufacturing. Other important products include timber, fuel-wood and
poles. Some are harvested for wood chips.
II. The leaves, fruits, and sap of the nipa palm are utilized for roofing or thatching
materials (atap) and as cigarette wrappers, for deserts, for sugar (gula melaka),
toddy, and vinegar. The leaf midribs are used to make baskets.
III. Fisheries – the mangroves are an important resource for human coastal
communities.
IV. Ecotourism – for nature lovers to watch migratory birds, fireflies, rare animals
such as the proboscis monkey – to take pictures, to relax, to appreciate nature
V. Provisioning ecosystem services (e.g., timber and fuel wood), supporting ES (e.g.,
breeding and nursery habitats for fish species), and regulating ES (e.g., protection
from storms and floods, erosion control) are among these locally and regionally
important ecosystem services.

5) Adaptation from :
a) Water stress - Possess xerophytic Structures
b) Salt stress - Salt glands
c) Anaerobic condition - Pneumatophores
d) Reproduction - Propagule dispersal and Vivipary