The aim of this experiment is to test the changes in and effects o abiotic and biotic factors along a transect line form low tide to high tide in the mangroves at Nudgee Beach. The hypothesis is that at low tide the soil texture would be brown clay with a pH of 9-10, however; at high tide the soil would be light brown sand with a ph of 8-9. Mangroves are classified as facultative halophytes. This means that they are adapted to living in salty soil, along the seashore or in salt flats (Halophyte, 2015). The reason they are classified as halophytes, is because ocean water is not a substantial requirement for development. Most water ecosystems exist where tidal flood does not take place. Tidal fluctuation results in the reduction of antagonism, due to irregular wetting and drying (Morphological and Physiological Adaptations, 2015).
Mangroves distribute 18% of Australian’s coast line. They can be found in all the Australian states, except for Tasmania. In the Northern Territory only the red/spotted mangroves are found. In Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria the grey mangroves are mostly found. However, according to figure 2, Tasmania
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Through photosynthesis, mangroves provide nutrients and oxygen to animals and plants. As mangrove forests connect the ecosystems of the land and the ocean, their significance in stabilizing the ecosystems is undeniable. Their forests provide a huge amount of food resources. A lot of animals and plants spend their life cycles with mangroves (Ecological and economic value of mangroves, 2015). The root systems of mangroves take up substances and lessen water contamination. They are important for keeping fisheries in coastal areas. Other than that, mangrove forest are a beautiful environment. They act as sightseeing for tourists and bring financial incentives to the community (Ecological and economic value of mangroves,