Prelims 2026 · Q23
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:
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2
- (c)2 and 3
- (d)3 only
Show answer
UPSC's provisional answer: (d)
NCERT answers it: Class 11 India: Physical Environment, Ch 5 (Natural Vegetation); Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 6 (Landforms and their Evolution); Class 9 Exploration, Ch 12 (Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification).
How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 India: Physical Environment, ch 5: mangroves grow in salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries, so they are neither salt-sensitive nor freshwater stores (1, 2 false). Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 6: mangroves absorb storm and tsunami waves (3). Answer (d).
Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2026), question 23 ↗