MANGROVE SWAMPS

SUCCESSION IN A MANGROVE SWAMP

SEA Bruguiera sp. Terrestrial plants

RIVER

Pneumatophores roots have pores for gas exchange take place

Pneumatophores of Avicennia sp.

Pneumatophores of Bruguiera sp.

Prop of Rhizophora sp.

Buttress roots

COLONISATIONA process whereby plants or animals have sucessfully invaded and occupied a new habitat.

PIONEER SPECIES The

first colonisers of a new habitat In Mangroove swamps are Sonneratia sp. Avicennia sp. sp.

ADAPTATIONS OF PIONEER PLANTS IN MANGROVE SWAMP

i) Viviparous seedlings

ADAPTATIONS OF PIONEER PLANTS IN MANGROVE SWAMP

ii) Prop roots

Viviparous seedlingsAdvantages: Not drifted away by the sea current

Not eaten by crabs Access to oxygen supply

b) Extensive root systems

Avicennia sp. & Sonneratia sp.

Rhizophora sp.

Brugueira sp.

c) Pneumatophores

d) LENTICEL ON PNEUMATOPHORES

e) THICK CUTICLES

f) Hydathodes to excrete excess salt

Pioneer root systems - extensive to trap sendiments

The compact and firm soil condition favours the growth of Rizophora sp. sp.

Gradually, the ground becomes higher (the soil is drier less salty)

SUCCESSION

Gradual process where one community changes the environment so that it is more favourable to other species and is subsequently replaced by another community.

SUCCESSION IN A MANGROVE SWAMP

SEA Bruguiera sp. Terrestrial plants

RIVER

CLIMAX COMMUNITY

A stable community which is in equilibrium with its environment.