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All questions of Island and Coral Reefs for UPSC CSE Exam

Which of these are correctly matched? 
1. Precious corals - Pacific Ocean 
2. Red coral - Mediterranean 
Choose from the following options
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ayush Das answered
There are also non-reef- building species such as the "precious corals' of the Pacific Ocean and the 'red coral of the Mediterranean which may survive in the colder and even the deeper waters. As a rule, they thrive well only in the warmer tropical seas.

British Isles, the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean and also those of the Aegean Sea are the example of:
  • a)
    Individual islands
  • b)
    Island groups
  • c)
    Festoons
  • d)
    Volcanic Islands
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Garima Datta answered
Island groups are a collection of multiple islands located in close proximity to each other. They can be found in various parts of the world and are formed due to geographical factors such as tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, or erosion.

The British Isles, the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean, and those of the Aegean Sea are all examples of island groups. These island groups share certain characteristics that make them fall into this category.

1. British Isles:
The British Isles is an archipelago located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It is composed of two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland, along with numerous smaller islands. Some of the notable islands in the British Isles include the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and the Hebrides. These islands are closely situated to one another and are considered an island group.

2. Balearic Islands:
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea, off the eastern coast of Spain. This island group consists of four main islands - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera - along with several smaller islets. The Balearic Islands are well-known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

3. Aegean Islands:
The Aegean Islands are a vast group of islands located in the Aegean Sea, between the eastern Mediterranean Sea and mainland Greece. This island group includes popular destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, and many others. The Aegean Islands are famous for their stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages.

These island groups are classified as such due to their close proximity to one another and their geographical connection. They often share similar geological features, cultural influences, and historical significance. Island groups like the British Isles, the Balearic Islands, and the Aegean Islands attract tourists from around the world for their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities.

In conclusion, the British Isles, the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean, and those of the Aegean Sea are all examples of island groups. They consist of multiple islands situated close to each other and share common characteristics in terms of geography, culture, and history.

Consider the following statements about fringing reefs. 
1. It is a coralline platform lying close to the shore extending outwards from the mainland 
2. It is sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon 
3. It is widest when fringing a protruding headland but completely absent when facing the mouth of a stream
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Fringing reefs: 
  • A fringing reef is a coralline platform lying close to the shore extending outwards from the mainland. 
  • It is sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon. 
  • It is widest when fringing a protruding headland but completely absent when facing the mouth of a stream. 
  • The outer edge grows rapidly because of the splashing waves that continuously renew the supply of fresh food.

Assertion (A): Coral reefs are generally absent on the Western coasts of continents 
Reason (R): Coral reefs do not flourish where there are cold currents 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • b)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
  • c)
    Both are false
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

  • The water temperature must not fall 68°F. (20°C.). 
  • This virtually limits the areal distribution of corals to the tropical, and subtropical zones. 
  • Again they will not flourish where there are cold currents because of the cold water's upwelling from the depths that cools the warm surface water. 
  • This explains why coral reefs are generally absent on the western coasts of continents. 
  • On the other hand, the warming effect of the warm currents, e.g. the Gulf Stream, means that corals are found far to the north of the West Indies in the Atlantic Ocean. 
  • The Pacific and the Indian Oceans, however, have the most numerous coral reefs

Consider the following statements by Coral Polyps. 
1. They secrete calcium carbonate with their tiny cells 
2. Under favourable conditions, they grow in great profusion just below the water level 
3. Each polyp resides in a tiny cup of Coral and helps to form coral reefs 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Coral Reefs: 
  • Many kinds of coral animals and marine organisms such as coral polyps, calcareous algae, shell-forming creatures, and lime-secreting plants live in large colonies in tropical seas. 
  • Though they are very tiny creatures, their ability to secrete calcium carbonate within their tiny cells has given rise to a particular marine landform type. They exist in numerous species of many forms, colours and shapes.
  • Under favourable conditions, they grow in great profusion just below the water level. Taking coral animals as a whole, the polyps are the most abundant and also the most important.

Consider the following statements about the Oceanic Islands. 
1. These are normally small and are located in the midst of oceans 
2. Their former connection with the neighbouring mainland can be traced from the similar physical structure 
3. Remoteness from the major trading centres of the world is a feature of these Islands 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Gargi Kumar answered
Oceanic islands: 
  • These islands are normally small and are located in the midst of oceans. They have no connection with the mainland, which may be hundreds or thousands of miles away. 
  • They have flora and fauna unrelated to those of the continents. The Galapagos Islands have many unique species of animals.
  • Due to their remoteness from the world's major trading centres, most of the oceanic islands are very sparsely populated.

Which of the following conditions are suitable for coral reefs? 
1. The water should be Saltish 
2. The water should be free from sediment 
3. The coasts should be silty 
Consider the following statements.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lekshmi Yadav answered
  • The water should be saltish and free from sediment. Corals, therefore, survive best in the moving ocean water well away from the silty coasts or muddy mouths of streams.
  • The corals are best developed on the reef's seaward side, where constantly moving waves, tides, and currents maintain an abundant supply of clear, oxygenated water. They also bring an adequate supply of food in the form of microscopic organisms.

Assertion (A): The depth of water exceeding 180 feet is not suitable for the coral reefs 
Reason (R): Sunlight is too faint for photosynthesis to take Place Beyond this depth 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • b)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
  • c)
    Both are false
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajat Shah answered
The depth of water exceeding 180 feet is not suitable for coral reefs because sunlight is too faint for photosynthesis to take place beyond this depth. Coral reefs require sunlight to survive, as it provides the energy for photosynthesis. The energy from photosynthesis is used by the coral polyps to create a calcium carbonate skeleton, which forms the basis of the reef.
Beyond a certain depth, sunlight cannot penetrate the water and becomes too faint for photosynthesis to take place. This depth is generally around 180 feet, although it can vary depending on factors such as water clarity and quality.
Therefore, both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

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