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Environment & EcologyMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2019, GK

Coral reefs are not found in which one of the following regions ?

  1. A.Lakshadweep Islands
  2. B.Gulf of Kachchh
  3. C.Gulf of Mannar
  4. D.Gulf of Cambay

Correct answer

D. Gulf of Cambay

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Gulf of Cambay. The Gulf of Cambay, or Khambhat, has no coral reefs because its water is muddy and its tides are among the strongest on India's coast.

Reef-building corals need clear, shallow, warm and salty water, with plenty of sunlight for the algae that live inside them. The Gulf of Khambhat receives heavy silt from the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi and Sabarmati, and its huge tidal range keeps the water turbid, so corals cannot grow. India's four main reef areas are the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kachchh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

A is wrong because Lakshadweep is made up of coral atolls and has India's best-known atoll reefs. B is wrong because the Gulf of Kachchh has fringing and patch reefs, protected in the Marine National Park near Jamnagar. C is wrong because the Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka, has fringing reefs around its 21 islands and is a marine biosphere reserve.

Exam tip: India's four reef areas are Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

NPOP is run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Rural Development, while the statements about APEDA and Sikkim are correct.

Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.

3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

The Forest Rights Act defines critical wildlife habitat, and the Baigas were the first community to receive habitat rights, but the Environment Ministry does not grant those rights.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following :

1. Carbon monoxide

2. Nitrogen oxide

3. Ozone

4. Sulphur dioxide

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

  1. A.1, 2 and 3
  2. B.2 and 4 only
  3. C.4 only
  4. D.1, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 4 only

Nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are the two gases that turn rain acidic. When coal and oil burn in power plants, factories and vehicles, they release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air.