Mangroves

Complete Q1 and Q2 on page 2 of student fieldwork booklet

Secondary information, infographs and diagrams can help us to understand mangrove environments in more depth.

Read the secondary information below

Mangrove Ecosystems


Mangrove ecosystems exist exclusively in intertidal zones. The soil is rich alluvial mud washed down from fresh water streams or rivers. The nutrient levels in the mud are high due to prolific amounts of organic matter from mangrove trees dropping leaves. Salt water inundates the forest twice a day due to the tides. Mangrove trees are able to exclude or excrete the salt enabling their survival in the salty environment. Some species obtain oxygen in the waterlogged soil through pneumatophores, or breathing roots, which sit above the water. Crabs feed on detritus washed in on the tides and dropped by mangrove trees. They dig burrows to shelter in during high tide and graze on the mud flats at low tide.

Study the infograph below and complete Q1. on page 2 of your excursion booklet

What are 5 valuable roles in the environment that mangroves at Bobbin Head fulfil?

Study the flowchart below and complete Q2. on page 2 of your excursion worksheet.

Draw one food chain in the mangrove ecosystem.

(HINT, start with mangroves and follow the arrows upward to the top of the food chain.)