Marine Biology 10th Edition by Peter Castro,Michael Huber

Exercise 2

Mangroves of a species of Rhizophora living along the northern coast of a bay are subject to a much wider tidal range than those on the southern shores of the same bay. What differences could be expected in the diversity and density of the organisms living on the roots (see Fig. 12.20) of the northern mangroves in contrast to those living on the southern shores? Explain the reason for the differences, if any.
FIGURE 12.20 Seaweeds, sponges, oysters, sea anemones, barnacles, sea squirts, and many other types of organisms live attached to the roots of the red mangrove ( Rhizophora mangle ).