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However, nutrients are not solely produced internally from within the ecosystem (autochthonous) but are also derived externally (allochthonous), with imports from rivers and the sea. Rain regularly flushes out detritus from rivers to the mangrove, and the sea brings in dissolved and suspended organic matter as well as microscopic organisms which are consumed by filter feeders during high tide. The receding sea drains through soil which acts as a sieve, leaving a layer of microscopic organisms deposited on the surface. These are grazed by the emerging terrestrial fauna during the low tide. This is a two way process, with nutrients also expoded to the sea with the receding tide. For a simplified representation of the foodweb in a mangrove ecosystem. |
What is mangrove?
Introduction The Ecosystem Abiotic Biotic Value Intro Products Indirect uses Potential uses About Mangroves in Singapore History Mangroves to visit Conservation |
From "A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore", Peter K. L. Ng and N. Sivasothi (editors) Volume 1: The Ecosystem and Plant Diversity and Volume 2: Animal Diversity Authors: Kelvin K. P. Lim, Dennis H. Murphy, T. Morgany, N. Sivasothi, Peter K. L. Ng, B. C. Soong, Hugh T. W. Tan, K. S. Tan & T. K. Tan BP Guide to Nature Series published by the Singapore Science Centre, sponsored by British Petroleum © 2001 Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre |