Question

Write the features of mangrove forest.

Hint:

Keywords: \textbf{Saline tides, Stilt roots, Pneumatophores, Vivipary, Coastal shield}.

Answer 1

Step 1: Habitat.
Mangroves grow in tidal, saline, brackish coastal wetlands—deltas/estuaries (e.g., Sundarbans, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna).
Step 2: Plant adaptations.
Halophytic species with pneumatophores (aerial breathing roots), stilt/prop roots, thick leaves, vivipary (seed germination on parent).
Step 3: Ecological role.
Act as storm/flood buffers, reduce coastal erosion, provide fish/crab nurseries, and store blue carbon.
Step 4: Species examples.
\textit{Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia, Bruguiera, Heritiera}.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Mangroves are uniquely adapted, highly productive coastal forests vital for protection & biodiversity.