(a) (i)

Mangrove swamps have soft muddy soil and mangrove plants have strong coastal winds
pose support problems. In order to support themselves, mangrove tress such as Avicennia
sp. have long, branched underground cable roots. Another example is Rhizophora sp..
Rhizophora sp. have prop roots to support themselves against the strong winds.
Mangrove plants are also directly exposed to sunlight. As a result, mangrove plants have
high rate of transpiration. Therefore, the leaves of mangrove plant are covered by a thick
layer of cuticle to reduce the rate of transpiration during hot days. The leaves of
mangrove plant are also thick to reduce rate of transpiration and to store more water.
Besides, the seeds of the mangrove fall onto the ground and die because they are
submerged in the soft and waterlogged soil. However, mangrove seeds are able to
germinate by still attaching to the mother plant. This phenomena is called viviparity.
Viviparity enables the seeds to float horizontally on the water and wash up on the mud to
a new habitat to establish a new population.
(ii)
Mangroves protect the coastlines by acting as wave breakers. Mangroves help to stabilise
the coastline and prevents coastal erosion. Mangrove ecosystem should be preserved to
serve as natural barriers against torrential storm and tsunamis.
Deborah