Previous Year Question

Which of the following have coral reefs?

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

All of these

Correct Answer: A

Detailed Solution

The principal coral-reef regions of India are:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands—Correct

Extensive coral reefs occur around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

These islands principally contain fringing reefs and some barrier reefs.
Shallow, warm and sunlit seawater provides favourable conditions for coral growth.
These reefs support a high diversity of hard corals, marine sponges, fishes, sea turtles and other marine organisms.

2. Gulf of Kutch—Correct

Coral reefs also occur in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.

Its marine environment is influenced by a high tidal range, high salinity and comparatively turbid water.
Despite these difficult environmental conditions, corals have developed around several islands and intertidal areas.
The Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary at Jamnagar are important for the conservation of this coral ecosystem.

3. Gulf of Mannar—Correct

Extensive coral reefs occur in the Gulf of Mannar along the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

These reefs are found mainly around the islands situated between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve supports corals, seagrasses, dugongs, sea turtles and numerous fish species.
It is one of India’s major marine biodiversity regions.

4. Sunderbans—Incorrect

Coral reefs do not occur in the Sunderbans.

The Sunderbans constitute a tidal delta and mangrove region formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna rivers.
These rivers discharge large quantities of sediments and freshwater into the sea.
Consequently, the water remains highly turbid and its salinity fluctuates continuously.
Corals generally require clear, shallow, warm, sufficiently saline and sediment-free water. Conditions in the Sunderbans are unsuitable for their development.

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