Q50. Which wetland landscape was formed by repeated retreat or regression of the sea?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2023]
(A) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(B) Marakkanam Salt Pans
(C) Naupada Swamp
(D) Rann of Kutch
Answer: (D) Rann of Kutch
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch represents a former marine-influenced basin affected by changes in sea level, river sediments and evaporation. It is now characterised by extensive seasonal salt marshes, linking coastal geomorphology with the region’s salt resources.
2022 — 12 questions
Q49. What is ‘Biorock technology’ often discussed in environmental news?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2022]
(A) A technique for restoring damaged coral reefs
(B) A way to produce construction material from agricultural residue
(C) A process of extracting shale gas
(D) A method of making salt licks for wildlife
Answer: (A) A technique for restoring damaged coral reefs
Explanation: Biorock uses a weak electrical current through submerged conductive structures, promoting mineral deposition that can aid coral growth under suitable conditions. It is an experimental reef-restoration approach, not a replacement for protecting coral habitats from warming and pollution.
Q48. Which Indian region has the largest area of coral reefs among the following?
[UPSC CDS-II General Knowledge, 4 September 2022]
(A) Gujarat
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(D) Lakshadweep
Answer: (C) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Explanation: The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago contains extensive coral-reef habitats spread across numerous islands. The Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep also have important reefs, but their total extent is smaller than that of Andaman and Nicobar.
Q47. Which statements about coral-reef ecosystems are correct?
a. They are ancient marine ecosystems.
b. They have high biological productivity.
c. They support great species diversity.
d. They typically grow in shallow tropical seas.
[MPSC State Services Preliminary Examination, 21 August 2022]
(A) a and b only
(B) a, b and d only
(C) c only
(D) a, b, c and d
Answer: (D) a, b, c and d
Explanation: Coral reefs evolved over long geological periods and create highly productive, diverse marine habitats. Reef-building corals generally require warm, clear, sunlit shallow water. Such ecosystems support fishing, tourism and coastal defence but are vulnerable to climate stress.
Q46. Which factors threaten coral reefs?
1. Destructive or careless fishing.
2. Global warming.
[JKSSB Sub-Inspector, 7 December 2022]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Unsustainable fishing can physically damage reefs and disturb food webs. Warming seas cause coral bleaching and increase disease risk. Pollution and acidification add further pressure, so reef conservation requires both local management and broader climate action.
Q45. Which location is NOT generally recognised as a major coral-reef region of India?
[JKSSB Sub-Inspector, 20 December 2022]
(A) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(B) Gulf of Mannar
(C) Lakshadweep
(D) Gulf of Khambhat
Answer: (D) Gulf of Khambhat
Explanation: India’s best-known coral-reef areas include Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar and the Gulf of Kutch. The highly turbid Gulf of Khambhat is not usually counted among these principal reef regions.
Q44. Approximately how long does a complete pair of daily high-tide and low-tide cycles take in the commonly occurring semidiurnal pattern?
[UGC NET Geography, 5 January 2022]
(A) 24 hours
(B) 12 hours
(C) Less than 12 hours
(D) More than 24 hours
Answer: (D) More than 24 hours
Explanation: The lunar tidal day is about 24 hours and 50 minutes, giving roughly two high tides and two low tides at many coasts. Thus a full repeated semidiurnal pattern extends slightly beyond 24 solar hours and reflects the Moon’s orbital motion.
Q43. Which strait separates the Indian mainland from Sri Lanka?
[OSSC Combined Graduate Level, 13 October 2022]
(A) Ten Degree Channel
(B) Palk Strait
(C) Eight Degree Channel
(D) Strait of Hormuz
Answer: (B) Palk Strait
Explanation: The Palk Strait is a shallow marine passage between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Its tidal waters, sediments and nearby reef-associated environments are important to fisheries and navigation, while limiting passage for large deep-draught vessels.
Q42. Approximately what percentage of global fish production was attributed to India in the referenced 2020 statistics?
[RRB NTPC CBT-II, 13 June 2022]
(A) 15.7%
(B) 7.7%
(C) 12.7%
(D) 6.7%
Answer: (B) 7.7%
Explanation: The examination used a global fish-production estimate placing India’s contribution at approximately 7.7 per cent. Such figures change as aquaculture and capture fisheries develop, so the answer applies to the statistical reference period rather than all subsequent years.
Q41. In which state was India’s first Marine National Park established?
[OSSC Combined Graduate Level, 11 October 2022]
(A) Gujarat
(B) West Bengal
(C) Assam
(D) Meghalaya
Answer: (A) Gujarat
Explanation: India’s first Marine National Park is in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. It protects coral reefs, islands, mangroves and intertidal habitats. Conservation of such areas is essential for marine biodiversity and the long-term productivity of coastal resources.
