Question

Coral reefs in India can be found in
A. The coast of Orissa
B. Waltair
C. Rameshwaram
D. Trivandrum

Answer 1

Hint: In India, major coral reef ecosystems embrace all the three major reef types and include the diverse and the extensive reef areas of the Indian Ocean. It is found at a place in Tamil Nadu.

Complete step by step answer: The coral reefs in India are one of the most ancient and dynamic ecosystems. The coral reefs not only provide a sanctuary to a myriad of marine life but also play an important role in protecting the coastline from erosion. The coral reefs are built by the colonies of tiny animals found in the marine water that contain few nutrients. A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by the reef-building corals. The reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by the calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are built from the stony corals, whose polyps cluster in the groups. It can be found in Rameshwaram.
Therefore, the correct option is C.

Additional information: A coral reef is made up of thin layers of calcium carbonate. The coral polyps form a living mat over a calcium carbonate skeleton. The stony corals are the corals primarily responsible for laying the foundations and the building up the reef structures.

Note: The Coral reefs in India are mainly restricted to the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Strait and the Lakshadweep islands. All of these reefs are the Fringing reefs, except Lakshadweep which are the Atolls.