Relationships between the abiotic and biotic features:
The abundance and distribution of various organisms was ultimately a consequence of the abiotic variables within the mangrove ecosystem. Along with this, the human influence has had a great impact on how different features of the environment interact with each other. For example, the turbidity of the water is a result of the pollution and waste that has been, and can be continuously dumped into the river, making the water dirty. On the other hand, less pollution can obviously result in a higher quality of clean water. Additionally, only certain animals and plants will be able to adapt to specific areas, taking into consideration the salinity, pH levels and temperature in which is present. The mangrove tree is a halophyte, which allows it to grow and reproduce in waters that have salt in them, also, the tree is more functional and responsive in an environment where the temperature is higher.
Without the relationships between these abiotic and biotic features, the life cycle, food chains and existence of the different species would be hindered. This is due to the fact that certain features require the 'help' of other organisms in attempt to survive and reproduce.
This was an extremely significant concept that was explored throughout the excursion, also displaying evidence of how trees, plants and animals thrive in different types of environments, and how they can be impacted both positively and negatively.
Adaptations:
It is crucial for an organism to be able to adapt to a certain environment so that it increases its chance of survival and is able to reproduce efficiently. Manly all the adaptations that were studied throughout the mangrove ecosystem were to do with the grey mangrove tree itself, the pneumatophores, leaves and any animal that may be found. There were both similarities and differences in how these organisms had to adapt. For example both the leaves of the mangroves and the pneumatophores have the capability of releasing unnecessary salt from the plant- this is called excretion. Another adaptation is shown through the Sacred Ibis. This bird has featherless parts of the body to reduce water logging, a long beak for probing into the mud for food and wide spread toes so that the balance is increased. These are all ways in which the bird has evolved so that it can survive in the environment and stay healthy.
Although adaptations are extremely important, sometimes organisms are not able to completely adapt to their environment. This is evident through the seedlings and crab holes that were observed. The seedlings are not fully tolerant to high salt levels, therefore they do not grow as much as you get closer to the creek. Moreover, the crabs have to live closer to the creek as there is a higher food source.
Producers and consumers:
Food chains and webs are another important part of a functioning ecosystem. Without these, most organisms will not be able to reproduce and will eventually die.
The main producers within this environment are the mangrove trees and algae. This is because the decomposed waste from the tree becomes a basic food source for the smaller animals, similar concept to algae as well.
Consumers within this ecosystem is quite abundant, ranging from smaller creatures (such as the burrowing crab and the snapping shrimp). This then leads on to the second order consumers that consists of small fish, then finally, at the top of the chain are the wading birds (such as the sacred ibis).
There are many different relationships between organisms. These include:
- Commensalism: where one organism benefits from the relationship without causing harm to the other. (i.e algae: this organism clings to the pneumatophores for protection as the tide rises, however, it does not affect the pneumatophores.)
- Mutualism: both organisms benefit from the relationship. An example of this in the mangrove ecosystem is lichen (relationship between algae and fungi)
- Parasitism: A relationship in which an organism obtains nutrients from another (host) by living on or within it and without providing any benefits to the host. The mosquitoes in this environment are an example of parasites as they live in the mangrove tree, however doesn't help it.\
- Allelopathy: the relationship between organisms where one inhibits the growth of the other organism. (The production by plant of chemicals that are released into the soil to assist competition with other plants. (e.g the casuarina tree drops 'needles' into the ground from its trunk to stop the growth of any competitors)
Trophic levels:
- Autotrophic: self feeding, meaning plants make their own food.
- Heterotrophic: have to eat and actively find their own food.
The different trophic levels can also be viewed as the progression of a food chain. Meaning that there are producers
The abundance and distribution of various organisms was ultimately a consequence of the abiotic variables within the mangrove ecosystem. Along with this, the human influence has had a great impact on how different features of the environment interact with each other. For example, the turbidity of the water is a result of the pollution and waste that has been, and can be continuously dumped into the river, making the water dirty. On the other hand, less pollution can obviously result in a higher quality of clean water. Additionally, only certain animals and plants will be able to adapt to specific areas, taking into consideration the salinity, pH levels and temperature in which is present. The mangrove tree is a halophyte, which allows it to grow and reproduce in waters that have salt in them, also, the tree is more functional and responsive in an environment where the temperature is higher.
Without the relationships between these abiotic and biotic features, the life cycle, food chains and existence of the different species would be hindered. This is due to the fact that certain features require the 'help' of other organisms in attempt to survive and reproduce.
This was an extremely significant concept that was explored throughout the excursion, also displaying evidence of how trees, plants and animals thrive in different types of environments, and how they can be impacted both positively and negatively.
Adaptations:
It is crucial for an organism to be able to adapt to a certain environment so that it increases its chance of survival and is able to reproduce efficiently. Manly all the adaptations that were studied throughout the mangrove ecosystem were to do with the grey mangrove tree itself, the pneumatophores, leaves and any animal that may be found. There were both similarities and differences in how these organisms had to adapt. For example both the leaves of the mangroves and the pneumatophores have the capability of releasing unnecessary salt from the plant- this is called excretion. Another adaptation is shown through the Sacred Ibis. This bird has featherless parts of the body to reduce water logging, a long beak for probing into the mud for food and wide spread toes so that the balance is increased. These are all ways in which the bird has evolved so that it can survive in the environment and stay healthy.
Although adaptations are extremely important, sometimes organisms are not able to completely adapt to their environment. This is evident through the seedlings and crab holes that were observed. The seedlings are not fully tolerant to high salt levels, therefore they do not grow as much as you get closer to the creek. Moreover, the crabs have to live closer to the creek as there is a higher food source.
Producers and consumers:
Food chains and webs are another important part of a functioning ecosystem. Without these, most organisms will not be able to reproduce and will eventually die.
The main producers within this environment are the mangrove trees and algae. This is because the decomposed waste from the tree becomes a basic food source for the smaller animals, similar concept to algae as well.
Consumers within this ecosystem is quite abundant, ranging from smaller creatures (such as the burrowing crab and the snapping shrimp). This then leads on to the second order consumers that consists of small fish, then finally, at the top of the chain are the wading birds (such as the sacred ibis).
There are many different relationships between organisms. These include:
- Commensalism: where one organism benefits from the relationship without causing harm to the other. (i.e algae: this organism clings to the pneumatophores for protection as the tide rises, however, it does not affect the pneumatophores.)
- Mutualism: both organisms benefit from the relationship. An example of this in the mangrove ecosystem is lichen (relationship between algae and fungi)
- Parasitism: A relationship in which an organism obtains nutrients from another (host) by living on or within it and without providing any benefits to the host. The mosquitoes in this environment are an example of parasites as they live in the mangrove tree, however doesn't help it.\
- Allelopathy: the relationship between organisms where one inhibits the growth of the other organism. (The production by plant of chemicals that are released into the soil to assist competition with other plants. (e.g the casuarina tree drops 'needles' into the ground from its trunk to stop the growth of any competitors)
Trophic levels:
- Autotrophic: self feeding, meaning plants make their own food.
- Heterotrophic: have to eat and actively find their own food.
The different trophic levels can also be viewed as the progression of a food chain. Meaning that there are producers