Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ?
- 1.Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
- 2.Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
- 3.By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.
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Answer: D. Statement 3 is correct: mangroves absorb tidal surges and storm energy (a natural bio-shield) and give fuel, fish, honey and other resources to coastal people. Statement 1 is wrong: mangroves grow in saltwater and are not paddy sites. Statement 2 is wrong: mangrove roots are salt-tolerant and protecting mangroves is not about turning coasts into freshwater aquaculture. So 3 only.
Watch for: Options mix true-sounding words like 'reduce tidal energy' with false claims in the same sentence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because mangrove belts are saline and are not ideal for paddy.
- B. Wrong because mangroves are salt-tolerant and are not protected to create freshwater farms.
- C. Wrong because statement 2 is false.
Source to check: NCERT Class 11 'India Physical Environment', Chapter 5 'Natural Vegetation' (mangroves); MoEFCC MISHTI scheme page
Answer from the provisional UPSC key; it may change when the final key is out. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.