Which of the following is NOT an ecological benefit of mangroves?

Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, and their ecological benefits are numerous. While they do generate oxygen through photosynthesis, the scale of oxygen production in mangroves is not typically considered significant compared to other ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests or phytoplankton in oceanic environments.

On the other hand, preventing soil erosion is a primary function of mangroves due to their complex root systems that stabilize coastal soils. Mangroves also provide vital habitats for various animal species, from fish to birds, and serve as nurseries for young marine life, offering them protection and abundant food sources in their early stages of development.

In contrast to these benefits, while oxygen production is important, it is not one of the primary ecological roles attributed to mangroves when compared to the other significant contributions they make to their environments.