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. Select the answer using the code given below :

Correct Option The correct option is D. 3 only [as per provisional answerkey] Explanation Mangroves are specialized halophytic (salt-tolerant) forest ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. They serve as a critical interface between terrestrial and marine environments, providing essential ecosystem services related to climate adaptation and coastal protection. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: While mangroves do reduce tidal energy, they do not store freshwater in a manner that facilitates paddy cultivation. Mangrove soils are typically anaerobic, saline, and acidic (acid sulfate soils). Converting mangrove belts into paddy fields requires extensive drainage and desalination, which destroys the ecosystem and is not a rationale for their protection. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Mangroves are salt-tolerant, not salt-sensitive. They possess specialized mechanisms such as salt-excreting glands or ultra-filtration at the root level to exclude salt. They do not convert coastal land into freshwater zones; rather, they maintain the brackish water equilibrium. Promoting freshwater aquaculture in these zones often leads to the destruction of mangrove biodiversity. - Statement 3 is Correct: Mangroves act as "bio-shields" by dissipating the energy of storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis through their complex aerial root systems (pneumatophores and prop roots). Furthermore, they support rural livelihoods by providing biomass, timber, medicinal plants, and acting as nurseries for commercial fish and shell-fish species. Key Takeaway The primary rationale for mangrove conservation lies in their role as natural physical barriers (bio-shields) against coastal hazards and their high carbon sequestration potential, rather than their conversion for terrestrial agriculture or freshwater use.

IAS 2026 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2026mcqmedium

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

Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
By 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 :

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B1 and 2
C2 and 3
D3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is D. 3 only

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

Mangroves are specialized halophytic (salt-tolerant) forest ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. They serve as a critical interface between terrestrial and marine environments, providing essential ecosystem services related to climate adaptation and coastal protection.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: While mangroves do reduce tidal energy, they do not store freshwater in a manner that facilitates paddy cultivation. Mangrove soils are typically anaerobic, saline, and acidic (acid sulfate soils). Converting mangrove belts into paddy fields requires extensive drainage and desalination, which destroys the ecosystem and is not a rationale for their protection.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Mangroves are salt-tolerant, not salt-sensitive. They possess specialized mechanisms such as salt-excreting glands or ultra-filtration at the root level to exclude salt. They do not convert coastal land into freshwater zones; rather, they maintain the brackish water equilibrium. Promoting freshwater aquaculture in these zones often leads to the destruction of mangrove biodiversity.
Statement 3 is Correct: Mangroves act as "bio-shields" by dissipating the energy of storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis through their complex aerial root systems (pneumatophores and prop roots). Furthermore, they support rural livelihoods by providing biomass, timber, medicinal plants, and acting as nurseries for commercial fish and shell-fish species.

Key Takeaway

The primary rationale for mangrove conservation lies in their role as natural physical barriers (bio-shields) against coastal hazards and their high carbon sequestration potential, rather than their conversion for terrestrial agriculture or freshwater use.

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Correct Option

The correct option is D. 3 only

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: While mangroves do reduce tidal energy, they do not store freshwater in a manner that facilitates paddy cultivation. Mangrove soils are typically anaerobic, saline, and acidic (acid sulfate soils). Converting mangrove belts into paddy fields requires extensive drainage and desalination, which destroys the ecosystem and is not a rationale for their protection.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Mangroves are salt-tolerant, not salt-sensitive. They possess specialized mechanisms such as salt-excreting glands or ultra-filtration at the root level to exclude salt. They do not convert coastal land into freshwater zones; rather, they maintain the brackish water equilibrium. Promoting freshwater aquaculture in these zones often leads to the destruction of mangrove biodiversity.
Statement 3 is Correct: Mangroves act as "bio-shields" by dissipating the energy of storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis through their complex aerial root systems (pneumatophores and prop roots). Furthermore, they support rural livelihoods by providing biomass, timber, medicinal plants, and acting as nurseries for commercial fish and shell-fish species.