Reading comprehensionQuestion 259 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: In the text, the word "nursery" means:

  1. a store for caught fish
  2. a small port for boats
  3. a factory for keeping food
  4. a place where young ones grow and are cared for
Show answer

Correct answer: a place where young ones grow and are cared for

It means a place where young fish grow before they get big.

Test structure: ETEC guide to the GAT

Practice reading comprehension

Questions last reviewed: 21 October 2026