The correct answer is: B) Mangrove Forests.
Mangrove forests are a type of coastal vegetation that is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are characterized by their ability to grow in saline water and their tolerance of high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Mangrove forests provide a number of important ecosystem services, including protection from erosion, storm surge, and flooding; habitat for a variety of marine and terrestrial species; and nursery grounds for many commercially important fish and shellfish species.
Karnataka’s coastal region is home to a number of mangrove forests, including the Muthupet Mangrove Forest, the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, and the Vembanad Mangrove Forest. These forests are an important part of the state’s biodiversity and play a vital role in protecting the coast from erosion and flooding.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in tropical regions with high rainfall. They are characterized by their dense canopy and their ability to grow in a variety of soil types.
- Tropical Thorn Forests are found in tropical regions with low rainfall. They are characterized by their sparse canopy and their ability to tolerate drought.
- Montane Forests are found in mountainous regions. They are characterized by their cool temperatures and their ability to grow in a variety of soil types.