Nature: Complex Ecosystems 4

– The Sundarbans –

The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest spread across Bangladesh and India, stands as one of Asia’s most intricate and biodiverse ecosystems. Covering approximately 10,000 square kilometers, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is particularly renowned for being the only mangrove habitat in the world for the Royal Bengal Tiger.

The complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests provides a sanctuary for numerous species. Apart from the emblematic tigers, the ecosystem harbors other endangered species such as the estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and the critically endangered Ganges river dolphin.

However, the Sundarbans faces significant threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and human activity. The mangroves act as a natural barrier against cyclones and storm surges, but their protective function is jeopardized by deforestation and pollution. The delicate balance of this ecosystem underscores the urgent need for sustainable conservation measures, not just for the survival of its unique wildlife, but for the protection of the local communities that rely on this forest for their livelihood.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

The Sundarbans is a vast ______ forest spread across Bangladesh and India.
This ecosystem is especially known for being the only mangrove habitat for the ______ Bengal Tiger.
The intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests serve as a ______ for numerous species.
The Sundarbans is home to several ______ species such as the estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and the Ganges river dolphin.
This ecosystem is facing major threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and human ______.
The Sundarbans serves as a natural barrier against ______ and storm surges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable conservation measures.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

The Sundarbans, an extensive mangrove ______ extending across Bangladesh and India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. This intricate ecosystem of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests is the only mangrove habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger. It serves as a ______ for various endangered species including the estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and Ganges river dolphin. Despite its importance, the Sundarbans is under threat from climate change, rising sea levels, and human ______. Acting as a natural shield against cyclones and storm surges, the urgency for sustainable ______ measures is underscored, to protect not only its unique wildlife, but also the local communities dependent on this forest for their livelihood.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original word	Variants used
Extensive	________________
Spanning	________________
Inhabitat	________________
Refuge	________________
Endangered	________________
Interventions	________________
Disturbances	________________
Protective	________________
Highlighting	________________

Reveal answer (5 More Words)

Original word	Variants used
Extensive	Vast
Spanning	Spread across
Inhabitat	Home
Refuge	Sanctuary
Endangered	Threatened
Interventions	Conservation measures
Disturbances	Interference
Protective	Barrier
Highlighting	Underscored