UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 43
Which of the following have coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kachchh
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: India has coral reefs in the Andaman–Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh and Gulf of Mannar, but not typically in the turbid, freshwater-influenced Sundarbans.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Andaman and Nicobar islands host extensive coral reef ecosystems.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - The Gulf of Kachchh supports patchy coral reefs in Gujarat.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - The Gulf of Mannar is an important reef-bearing region off Tamil Nadu.
Statement/Item 4: Incorrect - The Sundarbans is a mangrove delta with high sediment and freshwater input, not a coral reef centre.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 4; omits correct statement/items 1, 3.
C: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 4.