Assignment 1.2 – Tong Xiao

Flooding Mangrove_Guard

Mangrove acts as the guard towards flooding.

One hand, it has respiration and photosynthesis cycle to provide the energy of trunk and leaves' growing above the water all the time. At the same time, it has aerobic respiration function through air holes, called lenticel of pneumatophores and desalination function through leaves and roots at the flooding time. All the above help mangrove grows, especially for the expansion of the roots network, which support mangroves standing in the flooding water and create the space for the new habitat for species.

On the other hand, the fallen leaves of mangrove would be eaten by crabs. After Fungi and Bacteria breaking down the leaves, the decomposed litter would be absorbed by small prawns and fish. The remaining particular organic matter could be the food for smaller crustaceans, which are fed on by larger fish. Eventually, the organic matter of mangrove litter would be recycled through root system by mangrove itself.

That's to say, the characteristics of adaption to flooding turn the mangrove to the cradle of coastal ecosystem. New species speed up the loop of nutrients cycle which expand the growing of root systems, which provides the habit space back for the species. It can be some kind of meaning "metabolism".


Ref:

Adaptations of Living Things\ http://wonders-of-the-wetlands.weebly.com/adaptations.html

Basic Concepts in Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management: An Information Kit (International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR))\ http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0envl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-zhZz-tr-50---20-preferences---10-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0big5-00&cl=CL1.1&d=HASH0192c760fbf07f7d6fa34cb8&gt=2

ALL ABOUT MANGROVES\ http://www.bmrg.org.au/files/9014/0721/9454/MarvellousMangoveAustralia_1_AllAboutMangroves.pdf