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Mangrove forests are intertidal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions where saltwater and freshwater mix. Structurally, they are composed of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in coastal sediments, forming dense networks of roots that stabilize shorelines and support diverse marine life. Functionally, mangroves act as vital nurseries for juvenile fish and invertebrates, protect coastlines from erosion, and play a significant role in carbon sequestration (Alongi, 2008).

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The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is a foundational species and primary producer within the mangrove forest ecosystem. It performs photosynthesis and supplies organic matter through leaf litter, which fuels detrital food webs. Its prop roots provide habitat for oysters, barnacles, and juvenile fish, enhancing biodiversity and energy transfer in the ecosystem (Nagelkerken et al., 2008).

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A critical mutualistic relationship in mangrove forests exists between mangroves and detritivores such as fiddler crabs. Fiddler crabs consume decomposing leaf litter and aerate the soil through burrowing, which improves nutrient cycling and promotes root oxygenation (Kristensen, 2008). This relationship helps sustain mangrove growth and overall ecosystem function.

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Fiddler crab burrowing in mangrove sediment

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A major human-induced factor affecting mangrove ecosystems is coastal development. When mangroves are cleared for tourism or aquaculture, nutrient flow is disrupted, fish nursery habitats are lost, and the shoreline becomes more vulnerable to storm surges. This degradation also reduces the ecosystem's ability to sequester carbon, impacting global climate regulation (Valiela et al., 2001).

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This diagram illustrates the complex web of interactions within a mangrove forest ecosystem. Red mangroves act as primary producers, supporting a wide range of organisms from detritivores like fiddler crabs to juvenile fish and larger predators. These connections show how energy flows through the system and highlight the importance of mangroves in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

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Alongi, D. M. (2008). Mangrove forests: Resilience, protection from tsunamis, and responses to global climate change. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 76(1), 1–13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272771407003915

Kristensen, E. (2008). Mangrove crabs as ecosystem engineers; with emphasis on sediment processes. Journal of Sea Research, 59(1–2), 30–43. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385110107000494

Nagelkerken, I., Blaber, S. J. M., Bouillon, S., Green, P., Haywood, M., Kirton, L. G., ... & Somerfield, P. J. (2008). The habitat function of mangroves for terrestrial and marine fauna: A review. Aquatic Botany, 89(2), 155–185. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304377007001830

Valiela, I., Bowen, J. L., & York, J. K. (2001). Mangrove forests: One of the world’s threatened major tropical environments. BioScience, 51(10), 807–815. https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-abstract/51/10/807/245210