Question

Give a brief account of the vegetation and wildlife present in the Mangrove forests.

Answer 1

Hint: A mangrove forest is an accumulation of shrubs or small trees of medium length that are partially submerged in water that is saline in nature. It comes under tropical vegetation. The name “mangrove" originated in Spanish folklore language, Guarani. It was known as “mangrove " and later transformed into Mangrove while considering some folk beliefs.

Complete answer:
> There are 110 varieties of mangroves present in the world. Mangrove are present in swamps known as mangals, which are situated near saline regions of tropical and subtropical tidal areas. They are usually found on river banks that are near the bay area and in shorelines.
> Mangrove plants are grown only under unique physiological adaptations in order to withstand low environmental oxygen levels, high salinity and frequent tidal flooding. Each species adapts differently, embracing different zonation. This behaviour may be adapted to other reasons including to confuse crabs and other small creatures preying on plant seedlings.
> Mangrove forest houses many aquatic life forms ranging from small snails to huge carps. Both soft bottom and hard bottom habitats are present under these trees which helps a number of invertebrates to make this their home. These invertebrates feed on leaf litter, plankton, and other small animals. > Snails, molluscs, sponges, polychaete worms, isopods, amphipods, shrimps, crabs, and jellyfish all live either on or in close proximity to mangrove root systems. Turtles, Salt water fishes and salt water alligators are also commoners in this type of environment. Birds like white cranes and Egrets also live in this biome.

Note: The coastline is stabilised by mangrove forests, mitigating erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. These forests are also made attractive to fish and other species seeking food and protection from predators by the complex root system of mangroves. Pollution of the water bodies and deforestation has taken a toll on these trees and they are vanishing from the face of the Earth .Many organizations and communities have come forward to protect this species and to plant new ones .