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Which of the following forests are adapted to saline water ?
Evergreen
Thorn
Deciduous
Mangrove
None of the above
Mangrove
Mangrove forests, also known as littoral or swamp forests, are highly specialized to survive in saline and brackish water conditions. They utilize complex root systems like stilt roots and pneumatophores to extract oxygen and filter salt from the water in intertidal coastal environments.
Mangrove forests, also known as littoral or swamp forests, are highly specialized to survive in saline and brackish water conditions. They utilize complex root systems like stilt roots and pneumatophores to extract oxygen and filter salt from the water in intertidal coastal environments.
The Sundarbans in West Bengal, India, represents the largest single contiguous mangrove forest region in the world, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mangroves exhibit salt tolerance through salt excretion glands and ultra-filtration at the root level.
Pneumatophores (respiratory roots) grow vertically upward to reach the air, compensating for the lack of oxygen in waterlogged saline soil.
These forests act as critical bio-shields, protecting coastlines from tropical cyclones and storm surges.
Evergreen forests are found in high-rainfall tropical regions with non-saline soil.
Thorn forests are adapted to arid, semi-arid regions with low rainfall and deep water tables.
Deciduous forests shed leaves annually during the dry season to conserve water in non-coastal areas.
The Sundarbans delta is dominated by the Heritiera fomes species, commonly known as Sundari trees.
D is correct тАФ Mangrove forests possess specialized physiological adaptations allowing them to thrive in high-salinity coastal environments.
When studying Indian Geography, link Mangroves to the 'Environment & Ecology' section, specifically focusing on the Ramsar Convention sites and coastal disaster management strategies.