Reflective Summary

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

From all the articles I have read, I have truly learnt a lot about mangroves, eco- systems and the impact of humans on wild life. With each new passage I learnt even more. When I first stared learning about mangroves, I thought they were just smelly, muddy mosquito filled swamps. I did not think there could be much that I could learn from them. However I was wrong, I learnt that mangroves are very important wetland eco systems that have many different uses and they make significant contributions that benefit the environment.

Records dating back over 2000 years show study of mangroves proving that even then, humans noticed the usefulness of mangroves. Mangroves are useful to humans, the trunks and branches of mangroves serve as a palisade that reduces the erosive power of waves, 75% of the game fish and 90% of the commercial species rely on the mangrove system. Mangroves even out sediments, filter out pollution, cling onto nutrients, and protect the shoreline from erosion and provide nesting and food for many animals. Indeed I feel that mangroves are truly amazing plants and therefore, we must save them!

It was surprising for me when I found out that unlike when most people think, mangroves actually do not need salt to survive they can also grow in tap water. Mangroves unlike other plants can grow where no other plant can grow, in salt filled places that decrease the number of competitors. Mangroves have been grown in tap water and survived. However they still grow best in saline waters. That is why most mangroves are found in tropical coastlines like Singapore where you can visit places like Sungei Buloh wetland reserve. This means Singaporeans like me can go and learn more about mangroves easily.

More than 10 billion bacteria can be found in a teaspoon of mud from a mangrove, signalling the high productivity of these coastal forest habitats. Thus, they are an important part of the marine food chain. Marine ecologies are denied the full benefits of mangrove wetlands because human impact to these communities is worst than the natural destruction from nature. The fact that humans do a lot of harm to the environment is horrible and saddening. I hope preservation can help save these amazing marine forests.

(379words)

Journal #5

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

Like stated in this passage, I like most people, used to believe mangroves were muddy and mosquito infested swamps but because I read more about mangroves I now know that mangroves are a very important wetland ecosystem. I was aware that from the passages before, that an estimated 75 percent of fish caught commercially spend some time in the mangroves or are reliant on food chains tracing back to these coastal forests along with the fact that mangroves protect the coast by absorbing the energy and absorbing pollution.

The information that, as general rule zones of dominant mangrove species runs parallel to the shoreline or to the banks of tidal creek systems that there were grey mangroves was new to me. I find this passage to be more explanatory that the others I have read as they tell you about the zones in the mangroves, it describes about the soil in that zone and the type of mangroves that will grow there such as yellow mangrove grow where the soil is firmer but more saline due to the evaporation of water leaving behind salt which will not be diluted until the next spring tide.

Unlike other passages this passage informs me more about the three ways how mangroves deal with salt. The first way for many mangroves is to prevent much of the salt from entering by filtering it out at root level. Second way is quickly excrete salt which has entered the system by special salt glands. Last method of coping with salt is to concentrate it in bark or in older leaves which carry it with them when they drop. I learnt about the requirements of mangroves to occur, they need tropical and sub-tropical areas where the water temperature is greater than 24ºC, where the annual rainfall exceeds 1250mm. Then again, Different mangrove species have different requirements. I am very surprised that mangroves have so many different types of roots. Radiating cable roots provide support. Many little nutritive roots feed on the rich soil just below the surface. The third kind of root collects the oxygen. I found out that the fruits, seeds seedlings of all mangrove plants can float, some fertilised seeds grow out from the base of the fruits and begin to germinate but, do not drop from the plants. Live seedlings produced by some other species but they are contained within the seed coat when it drops from the plant in spite of this seeds can stay alive in the water for only three to four days. Seeds with large storage ability may survive longer. I was amazed when I discovered that more than 10 billion bacteria can be found in a teaspoon of mud from a north Queensland mangrove forest, an indication of the enormously high productivity of this coastal forest habitat.
(468 words)

https://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/habitats/wetlands/wetlands_habitats/mangroves/

Journal #4

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

I am very surprised that that records dating back over 2000 year show study of mangroves. I learnt that the majority of the early study focuses on the use of these extraordinary trees and shrubs. Associated species of wildlife that inhabit these productive communities also have Observations by early explorers and settlers. This is new to me as I have not thought that the people back then would had bothered making records. From the earlier passages I have read, I learnt that the bark of the mangrove is used as a source of tannins and dyes and many other parts of the mangroves have been used for many things. But, I did not know the wood produced was durable and water resistant hence, used in houses, boats, pilings, fence posts and furniture.

I found this article to be also very descriptive. From the other articles I learnt that mangroves were very useful for making many items however, this articles gave me more information such as the Leaves are used as source of tea, medicine, and livestock feed or dried and smoked as a substitute for tobacco. I have learnt about the three species of mangroves dominate the marine influenced wetland areas Red Mangrove; Black Mangrove ; White Mangrove and that The term mangrove does not refer to a specific taxonomic group of species it just mean all are halophytic from the previous passages. I learnt from this passage that Mangroves dominate 75% of the tropical coastlines between latitudes 25 degrees N -25 degrees S or higher latitudes bathed by equatorial originating water masses. I also found out that mangroves are tropical species which do not develop well where the average temperature is less than 660 F (l90 C). I changed my mind about that fact that I thought mangroves always have about the same structural complexity, but as a result of this passage I now know the impact of low temperatures on mangroves results in decreases in structural complexity of the community. As Florida’s mangrove communities show decreased tree height and increased tree density compared to mangrove communities of areas with more favourable temperature.

I knew that mangroves stabilize sediments but learnt that Black mangroves may be the best land stabilizer due to easier seedling transport. Red mangroves are second best and whites are the worst. I also did not know mangrove communities vary widely due to inadequate groundtruthing and I was not aware that roots are extremely susceptible to clogging well as prolonged flooding and damage due to organisms. I found it saddening that human impact of these communities is worst than the natural destruction. Humans do lot of harm to the environment, I hope preservation will help save these communities.

(453 words)

http://www.nhmi.org/mangroves/index.htm

Journal #3

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

Even though I know the mangrove can live where no other plant can, which is in salty conditions, I did not know this type of plants where called halophyte. On the other hand, because of earlier readings from the two earlier passages, I was aware of the fact the mangroves make significant contributions that benefit the environment and provides and fish a unique, irreplaceable habitat for many diverse species of birds, mammals, and crustaceans. I was also aware mangroves help maintain water quality and reduce pollution by filtering and assimilate dissolved nutrients.

Mangroves are also an important part in a complex marine food chain. However, I was surprised that there was a detrital food cycle. I did not even know that existed. I found out that the detrital food cycle was discovered by two biologists from the University of Miami, Eric Heald & William Odum, in 1969. The detrital food cycle refers to the cycle of mangroves leaves being colonized within a few hours by marine fungi and bacteria that convert difficult to digest carbon compounds into nitrogen rich detritus material. Thus, resulting in food for the smallest animals such as worms, snails and shrimp and becoming foods for carnivores including crabs and fish that follows the food chain and continues.

From my previous reading I found out that humans rely on mangroves but, I was amazed to find out that 75% of the game fish and 90% of the commercial species in south Florida rely on the mangrove system. I did not expect the percentages to be so high. I am glad that the respective governmental regulation of coastal land use and development was changed thanks to the Discovery of the importance of mangroves in the marine food chain. I learnt that as mangroves grow along the coastlines; their domain has been significantly reduced by land reclamation and bulk heading of waterfront property for development. Large concentrations of mangroves were isolated from waters, by the construction of dikes that established mosquito control. The marine ecologies are denied the full benefits of mangrove wetlands because dikes prevent the free flow of water and movement of organisms between the mangroves. I think harming the environment is terrible.

(366 words)

http://mangrove.org/video/mangroves.html

Journal #2

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

Thanks to the article I read previously. I know that mangroves provide nursery grounds and food sources for many different animals because of its biologically complex ecosystems. I was amazed that mangroves could not be defined too closely as I formerly thought that mangroves a just a very complex group of plants. Although I knew that in the mangrove, there were a lot of different plants and animals. I did not recognize that because of that, they could not be classified too narrowly.

I found that this article to be more descriptive than the one from mangrovemania.com. It describes the size of the prostrate shrubs, 200-foot-high (60 meters) and where mangroves circle on the globe. Within 30 degrees of the Equator is where most of them live in however, there are a few adjusted to temperate climates. I knew mangroves stabilize sediments.

However this passage expressed it well because it told us about the plants' interlocking roots stop riverborne sediments from coursing out to sea. I also learnt more technical terms from this passage such as ultra filtration system that each mangrove has to be salt resistant and pneumatophoresare is a complex root system. An intertidal zone is the area of coastal land across which the tide rises and falls furthermore this passage states that their trunks and branches serve as a palisade that diminishes the erosive power of waves but the other passage just says that it shields the shoreline from erosion. Palisade means forming a defence barrier. I learnt Prop roots penetrate the soil and helps support the stem.

(261 words)


http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/02/mangroves/warne-text

What I remember most out of my childhood memories, my favorite is my first time eating one of my favorite desserts.... Barley dessert. It looks kind of like oatmeal, but has a slightly sharper sweet taste and less nutty flavor.If my grandmother or was busy, she would just boil the barley for us as a drink. If she had the time, we got barley as a dessert, with other ingredients added. Candied winter melon are one of the ingredients added to barley dessert, but one does not always see them. When added, it gives a interesting crunch and goes well with the barley.

When I was first introduced to the Barley dessert .I found it to be a strange looking bowl of white gooey beans-like substance. I was very stubborn about not eating the Barley dessert. however the Barley dessert soon got my curiosity and I decided to try just a bit of it.It was very sweet and the dessert won me over,and soon I was pestering for the dessert. I would also help out in the process of cooking it .

It is now still one of my favorite desserts and occasionally I would ask my grand mother to cook it for me.

Journal #1

Done by: Koh Wan Xin 2E2

Before I read this article I did not truly understand what mangroves are. If someone had asked me what were mangroves before, I would had answered that mangroves were just muddy places with a lot of mosquitoes similar to swamps as I had previously believed that. However I did know that they were an important habitat to many different types of animal and plants.

After reading, I found out that the term “mangrove” refers to a wetland ecosystem. Wetlands are land where water covers the soil or is present near the soil's surface all year or for varying parts of the year. Ecosystems are a community of organisms together with its environment, functioning together as a component. That is formed by animals and plants in sub-tropical and low-lying tropical latitudes. It also refers to salt resistant marine forests consisting of many different types of trees, ground ferns, palms, grasses, shrubs and epiphytes. I have also learnt about the unique traits of mangroves. They can live in saltwater but not necessary salt water. Tap water is also able to also make them grow and thrive as well. I did not know that mangroves were so important and useful as their roots provide attachment surfaces for many marine. Mangrove forests stabilize sediments, sieve out pollution, cling onto nutrients, and shield the shoreline from erosion and nesting along with food and nursery areas for many animals that it provides for. Mangroves in addition are an important source of tannins for dying, oil drilling and leather preservation.

(253 words)

http://www.mangrovemania.com/mangrove_home.html

During the November and December school holidays I went overseas two times, one of them was the nine days eight night trip to China by the school.The other was the eight days trip to Taiwan with my family.

China is a country rich in culture and I feel lucky to have experience some of it, from the tea plantation, Xi Xi Wetland Park, silk factory and even learning a bit of Tai Chi. The Tai chi lesson at Qi Du sec school was very funny because some of us could not keep up with the teacher’s movements and ended up looking comical. What I remember most is The Silk factory. It was very interesting as I have never been to one before, I learnt about various life-cycle stages of the silkworm. Amazingly the silkworm creates its cocoon out of a single silk thread that is continuous and when rolled out is a very long distance. The cocoons are killed in hot water and a machine will unravel the cocoon into silk thread to be combined to become thicker and dyed.
I noticed that the students in Qidu were very serious during lesson time. Their lessons also ended very late, about evening time. The hostel stay In Qidu was not what I expected as the facilities there were not very good but the students there did not seem to notice. We can learn from them, how well they adapt to problems. From the hostel stay it made me move out of my comfort zone and gave me an appreciation for what I have in Singapore that I took for granted.

The trip to Taiwan combined both fun,food and learning as I learnt more about the history of Taiwan and a bit of geography as I visited as amazing sights of places such as Yehliu,Ami aboriginal cultural village,earthquake museum,pahsien cave and many more... One of my favorite places was Yehliu ,a place with natural rock formations and great scenery,thus, I took many pictures there.I also tried and tasted many of Taiwan's mouthwatering local snacks. The trip to Taiwan helped Borden my perspective even more.I really enjoyed the trip.

At first ,we thought Chek Jawa was faraway in Indonesia .After our research, we found that it was actually near our home, in Pulau Ubin.Chek Jawa is a place with an array of wonders that it displays with the huge diversity of eco-systems it awes us with. At Chek Jawa , there many different habitats such as a rocky shore,mangoves , a Sea grass lagoon , a Sandy shore and sand bar , a Coral Rubble Area and a Coastal Hill Forest. From the virtual tour, we learnt more about more about the many animals in Chek Jawa.

http://chekjawa.nus.edu.sg/ria/text/097.htm

Tunicates or 'sea squirts' are a type of aquatic invasive species (AIS), this marine animal (with a heart, stomach and intestines, etc) looks like a blob of jelly. Its bag-like body is filled with water that will sometimes squirt out, continuously processing water, extracting its nourishment and exerting waste. It gets its tunicate name from its thick skin which is compared to a tunic.

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2005/hq-ac83b-eng.htm

http://chekjawa.nus.edu.sg/ria/text/356.htm

Tripod Fish (Family Triacanthidae)
Tripod fish gets their name from their spiny dorsal fin and two long pointy pelvic fins and uses their elongated fin rays to stand on ocean floor. They feed on tiny animals found among the seagrasses and have fins bend gill openings. The fish also has both male and female sexual organs. The one in the picture above is hardly bigger than a seagrass leaf. The tripod fish is a deep-sea animal known for its unusual posture.

Thanks to the Chek Jawa virtual tour, we now know even more about the different amazing eco-systems there. It has given us new eyes to view the world with and has enhanced our knowledge. We must protect this wonderful place for the future generations to enjoy.