Mangrove Trees

A mangrove is a tropical maritime tree or shrub of the genus Rhizophora. Mangroves have special
aerial roots and salt-filtering tap roots that enable them to thrive in brackish water (brackish water is
salty, but not as salty as sea water).

There are several species of mangrove tress found all over the world. Some prefer more salinity,
while others like to be very close to a large fresh water source (such as a river). Some prefer areas that
are sheltered from waves. Some species have their roots covered with sea water every day during high
tide. Others are more sensitive to salinity, and grow closer to the shore. Other species grow on dry land,
but are still part of the ecosystem.

Mangrove need to keep their trunk and leaves above the water line. Yet they also need to be
firmly attached to the ground so they are not moved by waves. There are three types of mangrove roots
that help in this process :

1. Support roots which directly pierce the soil.

2. Level-growing roots which twist upward and downwards, with the upward twists emerging on the
water surface.

3. Level-growing roots whose downward twists (sub-roots) appear on the water surface.

Any part of a root that appears above the water line channels oxygen to the plant below the water line.
Over time as soil begins to build up, these roots produce additional roots that become embedded in the
soil.

4. What is a mangrove tree ?

a. It is dessert tree or vegetation of the genus Zoroaster

b. It is a mountain tree or plant of the genus polychaeta

c. It is a jungle tree or vegetation of the genus ancylostoma

d. It is a sea tree or plant of the genus pseudoselomata

e. It is a tropical maritime tree or shrub of the genus rhyzophora.

5. What makes mangroves able to thrive in brackish water? Because

a. They have feet to move to another area

b. They do need oxygen to live

c. They do not need water to live

d. They have special aerial roots and salt-filtering tap roots

e. They produces the salt for human.

6. What can you say about brackish water?

a. Brackish water is sweet but not as sweet as sugar

b. Brackish water is sour but not as sour as acid

c. Brackish water is hot but not as hot as red pepper

d. Brackish water is salty but not as salty as sea water

e. Brackish water is bitter but not as bitter as herbs.

7. Why do mangroves need to be firmly attached to the ground ? so

a. They will move by waves to another area

b. They are not moved by waves

c. It is easier to catch their prey

d. They can fly like bird

e. They were drifting along with the current.

8. What is the generic structure of the text?

a. Newsworthy events > background events > sources

b. Identification > description

c. Orientation > event > re-orientation

d. Orientation > evaluation > complication > resolution > re-orientation

e. General classification > description

26. The main idea of the text is

A. Mangroves grow on dry land

B. Mangroves are tropical marine trees

C. There are many species of mangroves

D. Mangroves roots filter the salt of the sea-water

E. Mangrove roots are attached firmly to the ground

27. We can conclude that most mangrove trees

A. need salt to grow.

B. grow on dry land.

C. grow on sheltered areas.

D. get oxygen from water.

E. grow near fresh water sources.

28. In order to grow well mangroves require the following, EXCEPT

A. The roots twist upwards and downwards.

B. The trunk should be above the water surface.

C. The leaves should be above the water surface.

D. The trees should be firmly attached to the ground.

E. The parts of the plant under the water should have enough salt.