Mangrove trees live in a harsh environment – salty water at their roots and limited freshwater availability. These trees have special “exclusion zones” in their roots that act like tiny filters. They allow water to enter, but keep out most of the salt, a crucial adaptation for survival. But here’s the twist: these exclusion zones also prevent essential nutrients from entering
This is where duality comes in. Mangroves have another trick up their sleeve – specialized “pneumatophores” that rise above the water. These structures act like snorkels, allowing the tree to take in oxygen directly from the air. This is a perfect example of duality – the exclusion zones protecting the tree from salt but hindering nutrients, balanced by the pneumatophores ensuring oxygen intake. It’s a fascinating example of how seemingly opposing adaptations work together for a plant’s survival