gs1medium
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
- A.The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
- B.The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
- C.The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
- D.The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
Mangroves possess a complex and extensive root system that anchors them firmly in the soft coastal soil. This dense root network absorbs and dissipates the energy of incoming waves and tidal surges, significantly reducing their impact on inland areas. Unlike many other coastal vegetation types, this strong anchoring allows mangroves to withstand the force of storms and high tides without being uprooted, thus acting as a natural barrier.
Source: UPSC gs1 2011