A team that included researchers from Guangxi University, Florida International University and San Francisco State University, and led in part by Adam Roddy at New York University, analysed many species to find what makes mangroves resilient. The work appears in the journal Current Biology.
The scientists compared 34 mangrove species and more than 30 closely related organisms across 17 plant families, including coastal and inland species. They found mangroves have unusually small cells and thicker cell walls. Those traits give greater mechanical strength and help prevent wilting in salty, waterlogged conditions.
The study shows that species able to live in saline coastal habitats have repeatedly evolved smaller, stronger cells, and notes that mangroves evolved nearly 30 times over roughly 200 million years. Coauthor Guo-Feng Jiang highlighted other adaptations, such as excluding salt or taking up salt and secreting it. The authors suggest manipulating cell size and wall properties could help engineer salt-tolerant plants. The research was supported by grants from the US National Science Foundation.
Difficult words
- resilient — able to recover or stay healthy
- analyse — examine something carefully to understandanalysed
- species — a group of similar living organisms
- cell wall — outer layer that supports plant cellscell walls
- saline — containing a lot of salt water
- mechanical — related to physical force or movement
- evolve — develop gradually over a long timeevolved
- secrete — release a substance from a plant or animalsecreting
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might small, thicker-walled cells help mangroves survive salty, waterlogged conditions?
- Do you think scientists should try to change cell size in crop plants for salty soils? Why or why not?
- How could salt-tolerant plants affect people who live in coastal areas?
