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.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.

• Most of the world's coral reefs are located within the tropical zone between 30º N and 30º S latitude.

Key Points

• Conditions for the growth of Coral Reefs:
  • It required a preferred temperature range of approximately 22º to 30º C. 
  • ​For the growth of coral, the depth of the water should not exceed 200m.
  • Corals can live only in saline waters, and the average salinity should be between 27 to 40% for their proper growth.
• More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in territories of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• The coral reefs are most commonly grown in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, due to their shallow, warm, and clean water.
• Coral reefs in India are found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kutch, northwest coast in Gujarat state, Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea in the southwest of Kerala coast and Gulf of Mannar in the southeast in Tamilnadu, Palk bay in southeast India.

• The Sundarbans in the Bay of Bengal is famous for its unique mangrove forests.

Additional Information

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
  • The Andaman and Nicobars Islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands are of tectonic origin and are an elevated portion of submerged mountains.
  • Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.