UPSC Prelims 2014 Q41: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
Which of the following have coral reefs?
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Coral reefs in India
Corals need warm, clear, salty, shallow sea water.
| Place | Coral reefs? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Yes | Fringing reefs |
| 2. Gulf of Kachchh | Yes | Fringing reefs; India's northernmost |
| 3. Gulf of Mannar | Yes | Fringing reefs around small islands |
| 4. Sunderbans | No | Muddy, low-salinity delta water; a mangrove region |
Other reef areas:
| Place | Type |
|---|---|
| Lakshadweep | Atolls |
| Malvan, Maharashtra | Patch reefs |
| Palk Bay | Fringing reefs |
Conditions corals need: temperature of about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, sunlight, and water free of silt.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Andaman and Nicobar, Gulf of Kachchh and Gulf of Mannar have coral reefs.
- (b) Incorrect. The Sunderbans have no coral reefs.
- (c) Incorrect. The Gulf of Kachchh also has coral reefs.
- (d) Incorrect. The muddy delta of the Sunderbans cannot support corals.
Key point
Coral reefs of India: Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep (atolls), Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Malvan. None in the Sunderbans.
Remember
Corals: Andamans, Lakshadweep, Kachchh, Mannar. Not Sunderbans.
Common mistakes
- Adding the Sunderbans because it is a rich coastal ecosystem.
- Forgetting the Gulf of Kachchh, far to the north.
- Not knowing that corals die in silty or fresh water.
Exam tip
River deltas and corals do not mix: silt and fresh water kill corals.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Coral reefs of India
- NCERT Class XI — Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Life on the Earth; ocean relief)