Q33·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2026

Mangrove Ecosystems & Climate Resilience

EnvironmentEcology & EcosystemsStatement-based● EasyStatic

Question

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ?

1Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.

2Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.

3By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.

Select the answer using the code given below :

Options

1 only

1 and 2

2 and 3

3 only

Answer

Explanation

Only statement 3 is correct. Mangroves have specialized salt-tolerant aerial roots (pneumatophores) that absorb wave energy, acting as natural bio-shields that protect coastlines from storm surges and erosion while supporting local community livelihoods. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect because modern conservation aims to preserve mangroves as native halophytic wetlands rather than clearing them to create freshwater agricultural fields or aquaculture ponds.

Mangroves function as protective coastal bio-shields and support local livelihoods due to their salt-tolerant root systems, and conservation efforts preserve them rather than clearing them for agriculture.

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q33

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Ecology & Ecosystems

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Easy

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Geography Cl.11 India Physical Environment Ch.5 / Standard Ecology Textbooks

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