Q70. Why are extensive coral reefs generally absent from the cold-water western margins of certain continents?
[MPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 4 June 2023]
(A) Cold ocean currents
(B) Trade winds alone
(C) Warm equatorial currents
(D) No geographical explanation
Answer: (A) Cold ocean currents
Explanation: Reef-building corals generally require warm, sunlit, relatively clear water. Cold currents along some western continental margins limit their growth and can enhance upwelling instead. Such upwelling zones may support productive fisheries despite lacking tropical coral reefs.
Q69. Broadly, how many categories of forces are used to explain the origin and modification of ocean currents?
[MP Police Constable, 27 August 2023]
(A) Nine
(B) Two
(C) Four
(D) Five
Answer: (B) Two
Explanation: Ocean currents are conventionally explained through primary forces initiating water movement and secondary forces modifying its direction. Winds, gravity and heating act alongside density contrasts and Earth’s rotation. This distinction helps describe the circulation that distributes nutrients and heat.
Q68. Which scheme announced in Union Budget 2023–24 focuses on planting and conserving mangroves along India’s coastline?
[Delhi Development Authority Junior Engineer, 1 April 2023]
(A) MISHTI
(B) UMANG
(C) SAMARTH
(D) JUNGAL
Answer: (A) MISHTI
Explanation: The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes seeks to strengthen mangrove ecosystems along coasts. Mangrove forests protect shorelines, absorb carbon and sustain estuarine fishing resources. Their restoration also requires attention to tidal exchange and ecological suitability.
Q67. Which Indian biosphere reserve includes 21 islands and is particularly rich in marine biodiversity?
[69th BPSC Preliminary Examination, 30 September 2023]
(A) Gulf of Mannar
(B) Nanda Devi
(C) Sundarbans
(D) Nilgiri
Answer: (A) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu includes a chain of 21 islands and extensive marine habitats. Its coral reefs, seagrass beds and fisheries are especially important. The area is also associated with dugongs and other marine organisms.
Q66. Which biosphere reserve consists of 21 islands and is notable for rich coastal and marine biodiversity?
[68th BPSC Preliminary Examination, 12 February 2023]
(A) Sundarbans
(B) Gulf of Mannar
(C) Nanda Devi
(D) More than one of the above
Answer: (B) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar reserve lies between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka, with 21 islands within its marine park. Coral reefs and seagrass habitats support many fish species, molluscs and the vulnerable dugong.
Q65. Consider these statements:
1. Deserts are terrestrial ecosystems.
2. Coral reefs are aquatic ecosystems.
Which is correct?
[KVS Junior Secretariat Assistant, 4 March 2023]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Deserts are terrestrial environments characterised by sparse rainfall, whereas coral reefs are marine aquatic ecosystems constructed by reef-building organisms. Coral reefs concentrate remarkable biodiversity and support fisheries, even though surrounding tropical seawater can be nutrient-poor.
Q64. Which Indian biosphere reserve supports marine animals such as dugongs and sea turtles?
[SSC CGL, 25 July 2023]
(A) Khangchendzonga
(B) Seshachalam
(C) Pachmarhi
(D) Gulf of Mannar
Answer: (D) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar is a protected marine region with seagrass beds, coral reefs and diverse aquatic fauna. Dugongs feed mainly on seagrasses; turtles also depend on coastal habitats. Conserving these ecosystems supports both biodiversity and sustainable fishing.
Q63. What is a likely effect of climate change on coral reefs?
[MPPSC State Services Preliminary Examination, 21 May 2023]
(A) They become uniformly stronger
(B) They remain entirely unaffected
(C) They become more vulnerable and decline
(D) Their biodiversity always rises
Answer: (C) They become more vulnerable and decline
Explanation: Warming waters can cause coral bleaching when corals lose symbiotic algae. Prolonged heat stress may result in coral death, while ocean acidification makes skeletal growth harder. Declining reefs reduce habitat for fish and weaken coastal protection.
Q62. What is the general classification of ocean currents that transport warm water from low to high latitudes?
[Karnataka Police RSI, 8 January 2023]
(A) Cold currents
(B) Gulf Stream only
(C) Warm currents
(D) Tides
Answer: (C) Warm currents
Explanation: Warm currents carry relatively high-temperature water toward cooler latitudes and can alter coastal weather. Cold currents usually move cooler waters toward warmer regions. Both kinds influence nutrient cycles, fog, marine ecosystems and fishery productivity.
Q61. What length of India’s coastline was traditionally quoted in geography references and in this examination?
[SSC MTS, 2023]
(A) 7,416.6 km
(B) 7,516.6 km
(C) 7,616.6 km
(D) 7,716.6 km
Answer: (B) 7,516.6 km
Explanation: The conventional textbook measurement was 7,516.6 kilometres, including the islands, and this is the answer expected in the original examination. Government coastline figures have subsequently been revised using updated mapping methods, so historical exam answers need their date context.
