203. Which of the following have coral reefs? (2014)

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
2. Gulf of Kachchh 
3. Gulf of Mannar 
4. Sunderbans 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 2 and 4 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Answer: (a) 

Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the Earth. Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, can take many forms: large reef building colonies, graceful flowing fans, and even small, solitary organisms. 

Option (a) is correct: Coral reefs are present in the areas of Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep Islands and Malvan. Coral reef enables the formation of associated eco-systems which allow the formation of essential habitats, fisheries, and livelihoods. In addition, coral reefs are climatologically important because they provide an accurate long-term record of climate change and help in extending our knowledge of seasonal climate variability in many remote tropical oceans.