Q80. Consider statements about Lakshadweep:
1. The group comprises small coral islands.
2. It was formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindive Islands.
3. It lies close to the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu.
Which are correct?
[CGPSC Preliminary Examination, 11 February 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 3 only
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Lakshadweep is a coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea off the Malabar Coast, formerly described collectively as the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindive Islands. The Coromandel Coast faces the Bay of Bengal, so the third statement is incorrect.
Q79. Which island was formed by volcanic eruption?
[WBCS Mains Paper-III, 18 August 2024]
(A) Narcondam
(B) Lakshadweep
(C) Minicoy
(D) All of the above
Answer: (A) Narcondam
Explanation: Narcondam in the Andaman Sea is volcanic in origin, whereas Lakshadweep and Minicoy are predominantly coral formations. Volcanic islands develop from eruptions and geological processes beneath the sea; coral islands are built chiefly through biological carbonate deposition.
2023 — 29 questions
Q78. The famous mangrove forests of West Bengal are called what?
[SSC Stenographer, 12 October 2023]
(A) Sundarbans
(B) Shisham forests
(C) Shola forests
(D) Sal forests
Answer: (A) Sundarbans
Explanation: The Sundarbans are tidal mangrove forests spread across the delta of the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna river system. Their saline wetlands support estuarine fish, crabs and other wildlife. Mangrove roots also stabilise sediments and reduce cyclone-related coastal impacts.
Q77. According to India State of Forest Report 2021, approximately 4,992 sq km of India was occupied by which vegetation type?
[SSC Stenographer, 12 October 2023]
(A) Alpine forests
(B) Mangrove forests
(C) Tropical thorn forests
(D) Montane forests
Answer: (B) Mangrove forests
Explanation: The India State of Forest Report 2021 recorded approximately 4,992 square kilometres of mangrove cover. These coastal forests occupy only a small part of India’s area but deliver substantial ecological benefits, including blue-carbon storage and marine-fish nursery habitats.
Q76. What is the natural vegetation of the Sundarbans commonly classified as?
[SSC MTS, 4 September 2023]
(A) Tropical thorn forests
(B) Montane forests
(C) Mangrove forests
(D) Semi-evergreen forests
Answer: (C) Mangrove forests
Explanation: Sundarbans vegetation consists of salt-tolerant mangrove trees and shrubs. Regular tidal inundation, brackish water and muddy sediment distinguish it from upland forests. The ecosystem supports fisheries and provides a protective barrier against cyclones and storm surges.
Q75. Which statement about ocean currents and fishing grounds is correct?
[SSC CHSL, 21 March 2023]
(A) The Labrador Current is a warm current
(B) Convergence of warm and cold currents creates productive fishing grounds
(C) Cold currents always flow from equator to poles
(D) Warm currents always flow from poles to equator
Answer: (B) Convergence of warm and cold currents creates productive fishing grounds
Explanation: Where warm and cold currents interact, mixing and nutrient availability can promote plankton growth, supporting productive fisheries. The Labrador Current is cold. Current directions are not accurately defined by the absolute equator-to-pole rules in the other options.
Q74. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of which country?
[SSC MTS, 5 September 2023]
(A) Switzerland
(B) Australia
(C) China
(D) Ireland
Answer: (B) Australia
Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef stretches along northeastern Australia in the Coral Sea. It consists of reefs and associated habitats supporting enormous marine biodiversity. Coral bleaching, warming waters and declining water quality threaten its ecological and economic benefits.
Q73. Which combination identifies important regions of India’s mangrove cover?
[MP Forest Guard, 3 June 2023]
(A) Andaman–Nicobar Islands and Sundarbans
(B) Sundarbans and Lakshadweep only
(C) Lakshadweep and Punjab
(D) Punjab and Sundarbans
Answer: (A) Andaman–Nicobar Islands and Sundarbans
Explanation: The Sundarbans and Andaman–Nicobar Islands contain important mangrove systems. These tidal forests develop in sheltered coastal wetlands, unlike Punjab’s inland environments or predominantly coral-derived Lakshadweep islands. Mangroves sustain coastal food webs and protect shorelines.
Q72. Which Indian forest is a major mangrove habitat also known for its tiger population?
[SSC Selection Post, 27 June 2023]
(A) Saranda
(B) Molai
(C) Sundarbans
(D) Abujmarh
Answer: (C) Sundarbans
Explanation: The Sundarbans support mangrove-adapted wildlife, including Bengal tigers. The intertidal forest also shelters fish, prawns, crabs and birds. Its protection requires attention to sea-level rise, salinity change, river flows and nearby livelihoods.
Q71. Which tree, scientifically known as Heritiera fomes, is closely associated with Sundarbans mangroves?
[SSC CGL, 25 July 2023]
(A) Kachnar
(B) Sundri
(C) Kusum
(D) Arjun
Answer: (B) Sundri
Explanation: Heritiera fomes is commonly called Sundri and is one of the characteristic mangrove trees of the Sundarbans. Its occurrence depends on suitable salinity and freshwater conditions. Altered river flows and rising salinity can affect mangrove composition.
