Options
A field study of mangroves in Kranji*
Citation
Teaching and Learning, 7(1)66-72
Author
Ang, Siew Hong
•
Yee, Sze Onn
Abstract
Mangrove forests are the characteristic forest ecosystems of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. However, unlike other natural forest ecosystems, the mangrove ecosystem is unique and highly specialised. Different species of mangroves and palms as well as animals of terrestrial and marine origins are found within a mangrove ecosystem, making it an excellent laboratory for learning and teaching plant geography and related aspects of ecology. In Singapore land reclamation along the coast has rapidly reduced the area under mangroves. However isolated patches such as those on the northern coast of Kranji still exist. A field study of mangroves will meet the needs of our students for direct experience with the local environment as a majority of them live in HDB flats and have little contact with the natural environment. Such fieldwork will not only give reality to concepts in plant geography learnt in classroom but also make students appreciate the fact that the conservation of mangroves
need not be incompatible with development and progress.
Date Issued
1986