Caribbean Mangrove Swamps
NOTES
- Trees in low seawater
- Roots allow trees to release amounts of saltwater or take in amounts of saltwater
- Biodiversity is at risk in mangrove forests
- Effects of removal are irreversible
- Mangrove seedlings take hold and grow better in the shade
- Hard to grow back when shade of other trees is gone
- Very delicate natural systems
- Roots allow trees to release amounts of saltwater or take in amounts of saltwater
- Biodiversity is at risk in mangrove forests
- Effects of removal are irreversible
- Mangrove seedlings take hold and grow better in the shade
- Hard to grow back when shade of other trees is gone
- Very delicate natural systems
SUMMARY
Mangrove swamps contain special trees that dwell in low seawater. They are special because they have the ability to take in or secrete saltwater from their roots. Deforestation threatens the biodiversity of the organisms that live in the mangrove swamps. When the mangrove trees get cut down, the effects are virtually irreversible. Its seedlings take hold and grow under shade. Without the shade of other fully grown mangroves, the seedling will not grow and therefore will not restart the population. The loss of this sensitive habitat leaves numerous species of animals without a place to live and breed successfully.
REFLECTION
The loss of habitat is one of the most prominent reasons species become endangered. Human commercial advances continue to threaten biodiversity in many areas, but none as sensitive as mangrove swamps. I do believe in stetting laws and restrictions in place, but even those cannot stand without extra money and constant surveillance. The extra expenses are necessary to ensure the survival of the swamps and all of their inhabiting organisms. The effects are too drastic and most of all, irreversible.
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