Mangrove Vocabulary

anoxic

• contains no oxygen (e.g. mangrove mud)

• contains a high level of oxygen

• is rich in carbon dioxide

• is suitable for aerobic organisms

pneumatophores

• breathing roots

• supporting roots

• nutrient-absorbing roots

• anchoring roots

halophyte

• an organism that is 'salt loving' or can tolerate lots of salt

• a plant that thrives in dry conditions

• a type of freshwater fish

• a microorganism that can survive in extreme temperatures

propagule

• a type of mangrove seedling that grows on the tree and then drops into the water/mud

• a fully grown mangrove tree

• a seed that does not require water to germinate

• a type of fish found in mangrove forests

ecosystem services

• The benefits humans get from ecosystems (e.g. firewood & tsunami protection from mangroves)

• The process of photosynthesis in plants

• The role of predators in maintaining population balance

• The economic value of natural resources

sacrificial leaves

• leaves that are used for photosynthesis

• older leaves that accumulate salt and fall off, removing salt from the tree

• leaves that are shed during winter to conserve energy

• young leaves that are more susceptible to pests

prop roots

• roots that come out from the trunk to support the tree

• roots that grow deep into the soil for nutrient absorption

• roots that are primarily used for water storage

• roots that spread horizontally to gather sunlight

brackish

• freshwater (e.g. from rivers and lakes)

• salty water (e.g. in an estuary where the river and sea water meet)

• pure water (e.g. distilled water)

• polluted water (e.g. contaminated water sources)

intertidal

• zone between high and low tides

• a type of marine life

• a coastal ecosystem

• a tidal wave phenomenon

nursery habitat

• a safe habitat for young animals to grow up (e.g. baby fish in mangrove roots)

• a place where adult animals go to find food

• a habitat that is only suitable for plants

• a location where animals migrate during winter