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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (a)
• India's four major coral reef areas are the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1), the Gulf of Kachchh (2), the Gulf of Mannar (3) and Lakshadweep.
• The Sundarbans (4) is a mangrove delta with turbid, sediment-laden water where corals cannot grow.
• Hence 1, 2 and 3 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- The Sundarbans have no coral reefs; the Andamans and Mannar do.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- The Gulf of Kachchh also has coral reefs.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- The Sundarbans have no coral reefs.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.