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.
1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 4 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are surrounded by extensive coral reefs, including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and platform reefs. This is a major coral reef area in India.
2. Gulf of Kachchh: The Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat is home to coral reefs, notably within the Marine National Park.
3. Gulf of Mannar: The Gulf of Mannar, located between India and Sri Lanka, contains extensive coral reefs and is designated as a Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve to protect its rich biodiversity, including corals.
4. Sunderbans: The Sunderbans, located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, is primarily known for its vast mangrove forests and unique estuarine ecosystem. While some isolated patches or associated fauna might exist, it is not characterized by significant coral reefs like the other three locations. Coral reefs typically thrive in clear, warm, shallow waters with low sediment load, conditions not typical of the muddy, dynamic delta environment of the Sunderbans.
– The Sunderbans is primarily a mangrove ecosystem, not known for coral reefs.