Question

4 scientists are studying a mangrove community in coastal florida. they find two species of mangrove trees: red mangroves and black mangroves. each species provides food and habitat for a variety of animal species.
a. what is one adaptation of a mangrove tree species that allows it to survive in its environment? (1 point)
b. consider a lake ecosystem in northern minnesota. what are two abiotic factors that would distinguish a mangrove community from this ecosystem? (2 points)

Explanation:

a. Mangrove trees have specialized aerial roots called pneumatophores. These roots emerge from the water - logged soil and help the trees to obtain oxygen in the anaerobic soil conditions typical of mangrove habitats.
b. Two abiotic factors are salinity and temperature. Mangrove communities are adapted to high - salinity water due to their proximity to the ocean, while the lake ecosystem in northern Minnesota has fresh water. Also, the temperature in the mangrove community in coastal Florida is generally warmer year - round compared to the colder temperatures in northern Minnesota's lake ecosystem.

Answer:

a. Specialized aerial roots (pneumatophores) for oxygen uptake in anaerobic soil.
b. Salinity (mangroves have high - salinity water, lake has fresh water); Temperature (mangroves are warmer, Minnesota lake is colder).