Article: Caribbean Mangrove Swamps
Author: Klaus Rützler and Ilka C. Feller
Mangroves swamps are where the land and the sea intertwine. Their communities only develop near the sea because they can't compete with freshwater flora. They can only survive in areas where the average water temperature is above 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Mangroves are classified into either of the two categories: mainland and oceanic island. The mainland mangroves border coastlines and are sandwiched between ocean water and freshwater. Mangroves greatly benefit the environment but are being destroyed to build houses and industrial facilities.
Before reading this article, I didn't know what mangroves were. Now I know that they're extremely beneficial for the environment because they support many species of animals. Their loss would threaten the natural wealth of the ocean. We can't afford to lose them, that would completely destroy the environment; so many different organisms depend on them for their survival. To prevent this, I think we should leave the mangroves alone and not try to turn them into housing and industries. Once they're gone, it might be impossible for them to come back or recover because of the irreversible changes in the environment. We should just let them be.
Author: Klaus Rützler and Ilka C. Feller
- A mangrove swamp is where land and sea intertwine
- Mangrove communities only develop near the sea because they cannot compete with freshwater flora
- Can only survive where average temperature water is above 73 degrees Fahrenheit
- Mangroves are classified as either mainland or oceanic island
- Mainland borders continental coasts and are between freshwater and saltwater
- Black mangroves have the highest tolerance for salt
- White mangroves are restricted to higher ground
- People usually cut down trees to construct housing and industrial facilities
- Mangroves support varieties of animals; the loss would threaten the natural wealth of the ocean
Mangroves swamps are where the land and the sea intertwine. Their communities only develop near the sea because they can't compete with freshwater flora. They can only survive in areas where the average water temperature is above 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Mangroves are classified into either of the two categories: mainland and oceanic island. The mainland mangroves border coastlines and are sandwiched between ocean water and freshwater. Mangroves greatly benefit the environment but are being destroyed to build houses and industrial facilities.
Before reading this article, I didn't know what mangroves were. Now I know that they're extremely beneficial for the environment because they support many species of animals. Their loss would threaten the natural wealth of the ocean. We can't afford to lose them, that would completely destroy the environment; so many different organisms depend on them for their survival. To prevent this, I think we should leave the mangroves alone and not try to turn them into housing and industries. Once they're gone, it might be impossible for them to come back or recover because of the irreversible changes in the environment. We should just let them be.