Question

The dominant species of mangroves is
A) Rhizophora
B) Avicenna
C) Both Rhizophora and Avicenna
D) Ceriops

Answer 1

Hint: Ecological dominance can be defined as the degree to which a particular taxon is present in huge numbers than its competitors in an ecological community. They make up more biomass than the other. The increase in number is due to its controlling activity over the others. This abundant species is called dominant.

Complete answer:
Mangroves are the small shrubs and trees that grow in the saline environment. Mangroves protect the soil from being eroded. They are mostly found on the shores and coastal regions.
Let us discuss the genus given in the question.
Rhizophora- These are the oldest genus of mangroves which have around 147 species distributed worldwide. These are tropical and subtropical flowering plants. The mangrove species are mostly viviparous.
Avicenna- This is the genus of mangrove plants which have pencil-like roots which are aerial. This genus contains around 10 species which are found worldwide south to the tropic of cancer.
Ceriops- It is a genus of mangroves which contain around 5 species. It belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae. The fruit of this tree is edible and has medicinal properties.

The correct answer is C) Both Rhizophora and Avicenna

Note:
Mangroves are the example of halophytes. The roots of the mangrove plants are called pneumatophores. These are aerial roots and the main function of these roots is respiration. These roots also hold the plant firmly in the soil protecting it from hurricanes. These plants also act as filters by preventing pollutants from entering the shore.