What is a mangrove? Identify, with precise details, FOUR environmental factors that determine the distribution of mangroves.

Question 1

What is meant by the term mangrove?

Answer 1

• Mangroves are intertidal trees and shrubs adapted to live along tropical and subtropical shores around the world. They are essentially land plants that are able to tolerate salt to varying degrees

Question 2

Provide an outline of the environmental conditions needed for mangroves to flourish:

Answer 2

• They need average temperatures of the coldest month higher than 20 degrees in the coldest month. The seasonal temperature range should not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. They can tolerate temperatures as cold as 5 degrees Celsius however their development will be affected. They are not resistant to freezing. Hence why they are close to equator.
• Require some salt as part of their functioning
• Intertidal. They need intertidal areas with a large tide range and this limits the erosion of the bank and sediment deposits and hence improves the chances of their survival and reduced likelihood of being washed away.
• Protected waters: limited wave action, limited root systems