Question

What are the special characteristics of Mangrove forest?

Answer 1

Hint: It is in the tropical and subtropical tidal areas, Mangrove forests are commonly found. Mangroves occur in areas such as estuaries and marine shorelines. They contain a complex root system and complex salt filtration system for coping up with the saltwater immersion. The ability to adapt to low oxygen conditions of waterlogged mud is a feature of Mangrove forests.

Complete answer: Mangrove forests are the evergreen forest ecosystems on Earth. It can be found in the saltwater coastal areas of 118 tropical and subtropical countries, which is more than 137,000 square kilometres. They have the ability to improve water quality by purifying pollutants and trapping sediments from the land. Mangroves can reduce coastal erosion. Mangrove forests are characterized by a humid climate, saline environment, and waterlogged soil. A variety of offshore and coastal organisms depends exclusively on mangrove forests for their habitat. It also functions as a site for fertilization for a variety of aquatic fauna resulting in rich biodiversity. Special characteristics of mangrove forests include adaptation to low levels of oxygen, uptaking nutrients from the atmosphere, limiting salt intake, increasing survival of offspring and limiting water loss.
Mangrove forests play an important role in the maintenance of marine ecosystem structure. Around 3 % of the earth’s total mangrove vegetation is in India. Mangroves are in diverse sizes from shrubs to tall trees. The mangrove plant has a height of 5-25 meters but mainly depends on the age and regional location.

Note: Asia has the largest share (42%) of the world's mangroves. In terms of diversity of flora, a total of 46 true mangrove species belonging to fourteen families are found in Indian mangrove habitats. Large-leafed mangroves known as the oriental mangroves are one of the most common true mangrove plant species.