Mangroves

Red mangroves are the most salt-tolerant of all mangroves, growing closest to the sea. They often stand "knee deep" in water and have prop roots to help anchor them in the loose mud and protect them from strong winds, waves, and tides.

Black mangroves grow closer to the shore in the intertidal zone in anaerobic soils. They have shallow roots called pneumatophores that grow horizontally and send up vertical shoots. The shoots bring oxygen to the rest of the root.

The white mangrove is the least tolerant of saltwater, growing furthest from the sea. it is usually found on higher ground and has no special root adaptations.

The tangled roots of the red mangrove provide a protective nursery for young marine animals and helps them to survive into adulthood. This is important to the fishing industry because fisherman want to catch adult fish and then sell them to potential consumers. Mangroves also provide a place for many species of birds to feed, nest, and roost, and they help guard homes from natural disasters.