Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Adaptations made by animals living in mangroves
The mangrove habitat can be divided into different zones, and different organisms can be found in each area. Behind the mangroves, away from the water’s edge, is the driest area in this habitat, the salt flat. This area is only flooded during high tides. Thus, at low tides, the salt flats are left exposed. So, animals that live on the salt flat are left exposed. So, animals that live on the salt flat are at risk of drying out and, therefore, have special adaptations that allow them to survive.
Some animals, including several species of crab, avoid this by living in burrows sealed by ‘plugs’.Mudflats are the areas in front of the mangroves. As the incoming tides flood this area, animals, such as fishes, move in to feed. These animals retreat with the falling tide. Other animals, including snails and sea cucumbers, retreat into burrows as the water level drops, while other such as fiddler crabs, emerge to forage. Some animals such as barnacles, oysters and snails live on the trunks and leaves of the trees. Few species feed directly on the mangrove trees, instead they feed on decomposing leaves and wood. Mangroves provide important nursery grounds for many species of fishes and crustaceans (e.g. prawns). The mass of roots and the muddy waters allow the young and small animals to evade their predators.
Posted by
Abigail Lim, Nicole Lim and Angelyn Ong
living nature
4:25 AM
