With reference to Chilika lake, consider the following statements:1. C...
Chilika Lake: Asia's Largest Lagoon
Chilika Lake, located in the Indian state of Odisha, is indeed Asia's largest lagoon. Spread across an area of about 1,100 square kilometers, it is a significant brackish water lagoon that lies on the eastern coast of India, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandbar.
Irrawaddy Dolphins: Endemic Species
The second statement is incorrect. Irrawaddy Dolphins are not endemic to Chilika Lake. While Chilika Lake is home to a significant population of Irrawaddy Dolphins, these marine mammals are not exclusive to this region.
Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are found in coastal and freshwater areas of Southeast Asia, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas of countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are known for their distinctive round head and short beak, and they are closely related to killer whales.
Why Statement 1 is Correct
1. Chilika Lake is Asia's largest lagoon - Chilika Lake is indeed the largest lagoon in Asia. Lagoons are shallow coastal water bodies separated from the ocean by sandbars, barrier islands, or coral reefs. Chilika Lake fits this definition and is considered the largest lagoon on the continent.
Chilika Lake is of great ecological significance and is recognized as a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance. It is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous migratory birds, fish species, and other aquatic organisms.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'A' - only statement 1 is correct. Chilika Lake is Asia's largest lagoon, but Irrawaddy Dolphins are not exclusive to it.
With reference to Chilika lake, consider the following statements:1. C...
- Chilika is Asia's largest and world's second-largest lagoon. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- It lies on the east coast of India in the state of Odisha, separated from the mighty Bay of Bengal by a small strip of sand.
- It spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometres.
- It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
- In 1981, Chilika Lake has designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.