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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 23

Topic: Environment and ecology

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 :

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 1 and 2
  3. (c) 2 and 3
  4. (d) 3 onlyCorrect answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) 3 only

  1. Statement 1 is incorrect: mangroves thrive in saline/brackish intertidal mudflats and do not store freshwater or convert estuaries into ideal paddy fields.
  2. Statement 2 is incorrect: mangroves are halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) whose roots exclude or excrete salt for their own survival; they do not desalinate coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
  3. Statement 3 is correct: dense mangrove prop and pneumatophore root systems dissipate storm surges and tsunami energy as natural bio-shields while supporting coastal fisheries and rural livelihoods.