Mangrove biomes are usually found in tropical areas across coastlines, rivers and creeks, meaning that they mainly support water-based flora and fauna like fish, crabs and salt water tolerant plants. They are mostly located close to the Earth's equator, meaning that the climate is usually humid and hot. The soil is almost always waterlogged and salty, which is subject to things like neap and spring tides as well as weather conditions, sometimes causing erosion. Not many plants are able to live in this oxygen poor soil.
Obviously the key factor of a mangrove biome are the 60 different species of mangroves that occupy these areas. The reason why these mangroves are able to live in this kind of soil is that they have the ability to create horizontal roots that shoot up above the soil's surface. These roots are able to collect oxygen even if they are underwater. They also help to hold the soil in place, making erosion less likely. Another reason why mangroves are able to thrive above any other water based plant is that it is salt water tolerant. This means that they are able to use sea water as well as fresh water as a food source. It is able to do this by absorbing the water through it's roots and actually filter the water and remove the salt by excreting it out of it's leaves. Because these mangroves have adapted to their environment, they are able to thrive in this kind of biome.
Although mangroves cover the majority of the flora part of this biome, there are many animal species that thrive on this biome, such as shrimps, prawns, crabs, mud skippers, many species of birds and lizards.
Obviously the key factor of a mangrove biome are the 60 different species of mangroves that occupy these areas. The reason why these mangroves are able to live in this kind of soil is that they have the ability to create horizontal roots that shoot up above the soil's surface. These roots are able to collect oxygen even if they are underwater. They also help to hold the soil in place, making erosion less likely. Another reason why mangroves are able to thrive above any other water based plant is that it is salt water tolerant. This means that they are able to use sea water as well as fresh water as a food source. It is able to do this by absorbing the water through it's roots and actually filter the water and remove the salt by excreting it out of it's leaves. Because these mangroves have adapted to their environment, they are able to thrive in this kind of biome.
Although mangroves cover the majority of the flora part of this biome, there are many animal species that thrive on this biome, such as shrimps, prawns, crabs, mud skippers, many species of birds and lizards.