Why do mangrove forests grow in salty coastal mud?
Quick Answer
Mangroves thrive there because they are specially adapted to tidal, oxygen-poor, salty conditions that most plants cannot tolerate. Their roots and leaves help them survive where land and sea meet.
The Full Story
Mangroves grow in tropical and subtropical coasts where tides flood muddy shorelines every day. Their roots can cope with waterlogged, low-oxygen soil, and many species exclude much of the salt at the root level or excrete it through leaves. Special aerial roots also stabilize the trees and trap sediment, helping build land over time. Mangrove forests are found in about 120 countries and territories and are crucial nursery habitat for fish, crabs, and birds. They also reduce storm damage by breaking waves and buffering coastlines.
Key Facts
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