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Mangroves: Adaptive mechanisms
Sprawling mangrove forests are often found near the mouths of large tropical rivers
with a high sedimentary load. These forests are irreplaceable habitats for many
different species of animals, but support a relatively small and monotonous
variety of plants. Not many plant species have successfully adapted to the
difficult living conditions created by brackish water and tidal flows. Their
roots are anchored in the mud, an environment with little oxygen. Mangroves
have made up for their environment by evolving snorkel-like roots that rise
vertically from the silt, or bent, knee-type roots that arch over the substrate.
These roots contain a special air-conducting tissue that permits the exchange
of gases between the root and the atmosphere.
The mangroves you see here are growing in fresh water. Though they grow perfectly
well, they are naturally only found in brackish water environments. This is because
in natural fresh water habitats they cannot successfully compete with other plants
adapted to this environment. Many highly specialized plants share this characteristic:
only within their particular habitat they have a competitve advantage, in others
they are too weak to withstand competition.
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