Skip to content
GK24
Environment & EcologyMediumAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2018, Paper I

Which one of the following sites does not have coral reef formation?

  1. A.Gulf of Cambay/Khambhat
  2. B.Gulf of Mannar
  3. C.Lakshadweep
  4. D.Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Correct answer

A. Gulf of Cambay/Khambhat

Explanation

The correct answer is A, Gulf of Cambay/Khambhat. The Gulf of Khambhat has no coral reefs, because its water is muddy with silt and its tides are among the highest on India's coast.

Reef-building corals need warm, clear, shallow and salty water, so that sunlight reaches the algae living inside their tissues. The Narmada, Tapi, Mahi and Sabarmati pour huge loads of silt into the Gulf of Khambhat, and its strong tidal currents keep the water turbid. India's four main coral reef areas are the Gulf of Kachchh, the Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Gulf of Kachchh, just to the north-west, does have reefs, protected in the Marine National Park.

B is wrong: the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka has fringing reefs around its 21 islands, protected in a marine national park and biosphere reserve.

C is wrong: Lakshadweep is made almost entirely of coral atolls.

D is wrong: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have extensive fringing reefs, among India's richest.

Exam tip: India's reefs are in Kachchh, Mannar, Lakshadweep and the Andamans; do not confuse the Gulf of Kachchh with Khambhat.

View all
Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.

II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

India is the second-largest emitter of fuel-combustion CO2 in the Asia-Pacific after China, and power and heat generation is its biggest source, but its per capita emissions are well above 0.5 tonne.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to

  1. A.Developing solar power production in our country
  2. B.Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
  3. C.Exporting our food products to other countries
  4. D.Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Developing solar power production in our country

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) is the rule that certain solar projects must use solar cells and modules made in India.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

  1. A.Creating the artificial rains in some regions
  2. B.Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
  3. C.Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
  4. D.Reducing the global warming
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Reducing the global warming

Both ideas are geoengineering proposals meant to cool the planet by changing how much heat enters or leaves the Earth.

Q5.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

1. Cnidarians

2. Fungi

3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Cnidarians, fungi and protozoa all include species that live in close, mutually useful partnerships with other organisms. Symbiosis means two different species living closely together, often to the benefit of both.