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.

Question

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.

Quintessence Classes · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is 3 only. Explanation of the Statements:Statement 1 is incorrect: While mangroves do reduce tidal energy, they do not store freshwater in a way that makes their saline estuarine belts ideal for paddy cultivation. Paddy (rice) cultivation generally requires freshwater and low salinity. Clearing mangroves for agriculture actually disrupts the coastal ecosystem and leads to severe soil salinity issues.Statement 2 is incorrect: Mangroves are halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), meaning they have salt-resistant or salt-secreting adaptations, not salt-sensitive ones. Furthermore, their ecological role is to maintain the coastal estuarine balance, not to serve as a tool for converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. In fact, converting mangrove forests into aquaculture ponds has historically caused severe ecological damage.Statement 3 is correct: This perfectly captures the rationale for mangrove conservation in the context of climate resilience. Mangroves have complex, dense root systems that act as a natural bio-shield, absorbing the impact of storm surges, tsunamis, and high tides. Simultaneously, they support local rural economies by providing wood, medicinal plants, and acting as breeding grounds for fish and crabs (livelihood bases).

Answer

1 only

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

2 and 3

Answer & Explanation

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UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims

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