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Resource Library | Photograph

Resource Library
Photograph

Mangrove Trees

Mangrove Trees

Grades

4 - 12+

  • Mangrove Drop Roots

    Drop roots and prop roots are visible in a typical cluster of red mangrove in the Dominican Republic. The calm water is a result of the intricate root system absorbing wave energy.

    Photograph by John Anton, My Shot

    Mangrove Drop Roots
  • Mangrove Forest

    Mature red, black, and white mangrove trees in the Biosfera de la Reserva de Ra in Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico, create a leafy tunnel.

    Photograph by Veronica Guerrero Cajiga, My Shot

    Mangrove Forest
  • Crab in Mangroves

    A small crab makes its home in mud surrounded by mangrove snorkel roots in a mudflat in Kenya, East Africa. Many invertebrates rely on mangroves for food and habitat.

    Photograph by Lindsey Elliott, My Shot

    Crab in Mangroves
  • Mangrove Snorkel Roots

    Black mangrove pneumatophores, or snorkel roots, emerge from the mud in Boca Ciega Millennium Park, Seminole, Florida. Densely packed mudflats are the usual habitat for this species of mangrove. Mangroves use lenticels, or tiny pores, located on these specialized roots to help the trees breathe in anoxic environments.

    Photograph by Scott Sroka

    Mangrove Snorkel Roots
  • Mangrove Island

    A salt-tolerant red mangrove tree grows in shallow subtropical waters. Mangrove trees stabilize sediment with their roots and create new land as their leaves fall into the water and the trees' drop roots expand outward.

    Photograph by Carmen Hertel, My Shot

    Mangrove Island
  • Beneath the Mangroves

    The roots of red mangrove trees create an ecologically diverse habitat in tropical waters, providing substrate, nursery grounds, and protection for local flora and fauna.

    Photograph by Tay Tousey, My Shot

    Beneath the Mangroves
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Related Resources
  • timberline

    Trees grow all over the world, in many different types of weather

    View Article
  • The Tree of Life

    A phylogenetic tree shows the evolution of relationships among different organisms. 

    View Infographic
  • Buffalo Tree Bush Walk

    Listen as a safariLIVE guide Stefan Winterboer explains the local mythology and stories of the buffalo thorn tree.  

    View Video

National Geographic Headquarters
1145 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036

ABOUT
  • National Geographic Society
  • National Geographic Partners
  • News and Impact
  • Contact
EXPLORE
  • Our Explorers
  • Our Projects
  • Resources for Educators
  • Museum and Events
  • Technology and Innovation
JOIN US
  • Ways to Give
  • Apply for a Grant
  • Careers
Donate Get Updates
Connect
Connect

National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. © 1996 - 2021 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.
Privacy Notice |  Sustainability Policy |  Terms of Service |  Code of Ethics

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