Why do mangroves grow in salt water?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Adaptations filter salt out
Adaptations filter salt out ✓ — Correct! Most plants die in salt water (osmosis pulls water out of roots). Mangroves evolved adaptations: ultra-filtration roots block 90% of salt, salt glands on leaves excrete excess, or they concentrate salt in old leaves that fall off. They also have aerial prop roots for oxygen in waterlogged mud. Competition-free niche!
Mangroves need salt to grow — Wrong. Mangroves don't need salt—they tolerate it. They actually grow better in freshwater but thrive in salt water because they face no competition there.
No other plants compete there — Wrong. Less competition is an advantage, but mangroves specifically evolved salt-filtering and excreting mechanisms to survive where other plants can't.