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.

Correct Option (A): The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar are significant regions in India known for the presence of coral reefs. - Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands are surrounded by extensive fringing coral reefs. - Gulf of Kachchh: This region features both fringing and platform reefs. It also hosts India's first Marine National Park, established to protect its diverse marine life, including corals. - Gulf of Mannar: Located between India and Sri Lanka, this area is rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity. It is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Incorrect Options: The Sunderbans (Statement 4) does not possess coral reefs. It is predominantly a deltaic mangrove ecosystem characterized by high sediment load, freshwater influx from the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system, and fluctuating salinity, conditions unsuitable for coral growth. - Option B is incorrect as it includes Sunderbans (4) which lacks coral reefs. - Option C is incorrect as it omits the Gulf of Kachchh (2), a prominent coral reef region. - Option D is incorrect as it includes Sunderbans (4), where coral reefs are absent.

IAS 2014 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2014mcqmedium

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.

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option (A):

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar are significant regions in India known for the presence of coral reefs.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands are surrounded by extensive fringing coral reefs.
Gulf of Kachchh: This region features both fringing and platform reefs. It also hosts India's first Marine National Park, established to protect its diverse marine life, including corals.
Gulf of Mannar: Located between India and Sri Lanka, this area is rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity. It is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Incorrect Options:

The Sunderbans (Statement 4) does not possess coral reefs. It is predominantly a deltaic mangrove ecosystem characterized by high sediment load, freshwater influx from the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system, and fluctuating salinity, conditions unsuitable for coral growth.

Option B is incorrect as it includes Sunderbans (4) which lacks coral reefs.
Option C is incorrect as it omits the Gulf of Kachchh (2), a prominent coral reef region.
Option D is incorrect as it includes Sunderbans (4), where coral reefs are absent.

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