Correct option is C
The correct answer is(c): Coastal areas.
Mangroves are unique ecosystems that thrive in coastal areas, particularly in regions where saltwater and freshwater mix, such as estuaries, deltas, and shorelines. They are characterized by their ability to survive in saline and brackish water, as well as their specialized root systems (e.g., prop roots and pneumatophores) that allow them to cope with waterlogged, oxygen-poor soils.
Information Booster:
- Hills– Hills do not provide the saline or brackish water environment required by mangroves.
- Marshes– While marshes may be wetland areas, they are typically freshwater environments, unlike the saline or brackish conditions needed by mangroves.
- Deserts– Deserts lack the necessary water conditions for mangrove growth.
Mangroves flourish incoastal areaswhere they play a crucial role in preventing erosion, protecting shorelines, and supporting diverse marine life.