Reading comprehensionQuestion 256 of 550

Mangrove trees are among the few plants that grow in salt water on warm coasts. Forests of them grow along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. Their roots reach above and below the water. They hold the soil in place and protect the shore from the wearing away of the waves. Small fish, shrimp and migrating birds find shelter and food among these roots. For this reason, mangroves are a natural nursery for fish stocks. These trees also store large amounts of carbon. Even so, their area is getting smaller because of landfill and pollution. This leads people to plant them again.

Question: The main idea of the text is:

  1. Ways of catching shrimp
  2. Causes of the salt in the sea
  3. The importance of mangrove trees for the coast and the environment
  4. Kinds of migrating birds
Show answer

Correct answer: The importance of mangrove trees for the coast and the environment

The text shows the benefits of mangroves and then says their area is getting smaller.

Test structure: ETEC guide to the GAT

Practice reading comprehension

Questions last reviewed: 21 October 2026