Question

3. Most tropical forests are highly diverse and vary geographically, but coastal vegetation immediately adjacent to the ocean is species-poor and similar among areas. Why is this so? What are some species commonly found on tropical coastal environments that are broadly distributed? (1)

Answer 1

Tropical coastal vegetation is species-poor due to harsh conditions like high salt and strong winds, with mangroves and coconut palms among the broadly distributed species that adapt to such environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most tropical forests have high species diversity due to optimal growing conditions, with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. The coastal vegetation near the ocean, however, is species-poor and similar among different regions because of harsh conditions such as high salt levels, strong winds, and sandy soils, which limit plant types that can survive there. Some broadly distributed species found in tropical coastal environments include mangroves, sea grapes, and palm trees like coconut palms, that are adapted to these tough conditions.