FNR 45400 Lecture 16: Mangroves & Seagrasses Distribution
22 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Mangrove associates- facultative mangrove plants, such as rainforest species. Mangroves are strictly tropical and occur 20 degrees north and south isotherm of the equator (fig. The range can be extended by warm water currents. The greatest diversity can be found in the indo- West pacific, which reflects the vicariance in this region over time. This led to allopatric speciation and reproductive isolation of these mangrove species. Within a mangal, there is some zonation that occurs. Can be found in the fringing seaward areas, while avicenna sp. Mangrove associates are typically distributed towards high swamp areas where conditions aren"t quite as harsh. The two major factors influencing mangrove distribution are salinity and oxygen availability. This is why mangroves stick to shallow, seawater environments. Energy requirements also limit distribution as woody vegetation require more energy input and salt can disrupt metabolism. In addition, water-logged soils make it much harder for the plants to obtain oxygen.
