The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Mangrove forests, also classified as littoral or swamp forests, are specialized ecosystems composed of salt-tolerant plant species known as halophytes. These forests are situated in the intertidal zones between land and sea, where the environment is characterized by saline water and muddy substrates.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Mangrove forests are primarily found in coastal areas that are influenced by tides. The tidal action leads to the accumulation of mud and silt along these coasts, providing the necessary soil conditions for dense mangrove vegetation to grow.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The roots of mangrove plants are frequently submerged under water, especially during high tides. Because the waterlogged soil is deficient in oxygen, many mangrove species develop specialized roots called pneumatophores. These roots grow vertically upwards, emerging above the water or soil surface to facilitate respiration. Therefore, the assertion that roots never grow under water is factually wrong.
- Statement 3 is Correct: In India, mangrove vegetation is extensively distributed along the eastern coast. They are found in the deltas of major rivers including the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri. The Sundarbans in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Key Takeaway
Mangroves are halophytic plants adapted to survival in saline, tidal environments through specialized features like pneumatophores (breathing roots) and viviparous germination. They are predominantly located in the deltas of India's east-flowing rivers.