Mangrove Ecosystem
Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Guardians Introduction Mangroves are a unique group of trees and shrubs that thrive in the meeting zone of land and sea. They grow along tropical and subtropical shorelines, forming dense forests in muddy, oxygen-poor soils. Their remarkable adaptations allow them to withstand saltwater immersion and tidal fluctuations. As keystone species , mangroves shape coastal ecosystems and influence both marine and terrestrial life. --- Distribution and Habitat Mangroves span more than 120 countries, with the largest concentrations in Southeast Asia , South Asia , West Africa , northern Australia and the Caribbean . They occupy intertidal zones where freshwater rivers mix with ocean tides, creating brackish water conditions. Their roots anchor in soft sediments, stabilizing shorelines and trapping sediment. These forests often border estuaries , lagoons and sheltered bays. --- Physical Adaptations Mangroves possess several specialized adaptations that enabl...