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Extract from the Chapter
6. The Sundarbans
Can a forest exist in a coastal zone? Yes, they are called mangrove forests, where trees take root under water in the low-oxygen soil. The roots slow down the movement of tidal waters, stabilising the coastline and reducing erosion. The Sundarbans is one such mangrove forest spread over 1,400 kms in West Bengal, lying in the delta of rivers, such as the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna. The name is derived from sundari trees that are plentiful in the area.
The area is also populated by an extensive range of flora and fauna, including many bird species, the majestic Bengal tiger, and other threatened species, such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
Can a forest exist in a coastal zone? Yes, they are called mangrove forests, where trees take root under water in the low-oxygen soil. The roots slow down the movement of tidal waters, stabilising the coastline and reducing erosion. The Sundarbans is one such mangrove forest spread over 1,400 kms in West Bengal, lying in the delta of rivers, such as the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna. The name is derived from sundari trees that are plentiful in the area.
The area is also populated by an extensive range of flora and fauna, including many bird species, the majestic Bengal tiger, and other threatened species, such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
estuarine
— living in an estuary, where a freshwater river meets the ocean
Summary in Bullet Points
- Landscape: A mangrove forest in a major river delta.
- Adaptation: Mangrove trees can root in waterlogged, low-oxygen soil.
- Coastal role: Their roots slow tidal water and reduce erosion.
- Biodiversity: The source mentions birds, Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile and Indian python.
Questions from this Section
How do mangrove roots help the coastline?
2 Marks
How to answer:
State the phenomenon and its direct explanation.
View Answer
Answer: They slow the movement of tidal water, help stabilise the coastline and reduce erosion.
Why is the Sundarbans presented as both a landscape wonder and an ecological system?
3 Marks
How to answer:
Explain what the detail shows beyond the basic fact.
View Answer
Answer: Its mangroves are visually unusual because trees root in tidal conditions, but those roots also protect the coast and support many species. The wonder lies in appearance and ecological function.
