Tropical rainforest and mangrove

What are tropical rainforests and mangroves and where are they found?

Characteristics of tropical rainforests and mangroves

• Evergreen

• Diversity of plant species

• Structure

- Distinct layers (for tropical rainforests)

- Horizontal zonation (for mangroves)

Distribution of tropical rainforests and mangroves

• Found in the tropics (for tropical rainforests)

• Found along sheltered coasts and river mouths (for mangroves)

Why are tropical rainforests and mangroves located in the tropics?

Conditions for the growth of tropical rainforests

• High annual rainfall

• High mean annual temperature

Conditions for the growth of mangroves

• Warm waters

• Sheltered environment

Adaptations of tropical rainforests to the tropical climate

• Leaves (i.e., broad, waxy and drip tips)

• Roots (i.e., buttress)

Adaptations of mangroves to coastal environments

• Leaves (i.e., salt-secreting)

• Roots (i.e., pencil, cone, prop, and knee-bend; salt-excluding)

What relationships do tropical rainforests and mangroves have with (i) the environment and (ii) people?

Relationship between tropical rainforests and mangroves, and the environment

• Habitat for biodiversity

• Carbon storage

• Oxygen generation (i.e., photosynthesis)

• Protection from soil erosion

• Protection from coastal erosion

Relationship between tropical rainforests and mangroves, and people

• Places of habitation (e.g., longhouse, stilt house)

• Sources of raw materials (e.g., wood, minerals)

• Places for recreation (e.g., trekking, camping)

• Sources of food (e.g., hunting and gathering, aquaculture)

Extraction of resources from tropical rainforests and mangroves

• Deforestation

• Enhanced greenhouse effect

How can these relationships be sustainably managed?

Strategies for sustainable management of tropical rainforests and mangroves in Singapore and other countries

• Protect areas which contain tropical rainforests and mangroves (e.g., national parks and biosphere reserves)

• Regulate forestry activities (e.g., controlled logging)

• Rehabilitate disturbed areas with tropical rainforests and mangroves (e.g., reforestation)

• Promote public education (e.g., guided nature walks)