Question

Q. With reference to coral reefs, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 3 only

Answer 1

The correct option is D 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Fringing Reef: The coral reefs that are found very close to the land and form a shallow lagoon known as Boat Channel are called Fringing Coral Reefs. The Fringing Reefs develop along with the islands and the continental margins. They grow from the deep bottom of the sea and have their seaward side sloping steeply into the deep sea. Fringing Reefs are the most commonly found coral reefs among the three. For example Sakau Island in New Hebrides, South Florida Reef.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Barrier Reef: Barrier Reefs are considered the largest, highest, and widest reefs among the three coral reefs. They develop off the coast and parallel to the shore as a broken and irregular ring. Being the largest reef among all, they run for 100kms and are several kilometers wide. One example of a Barrier Reef is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia which is 1200 miles long.
• Statement 3 is correct: Atolls: An atoll can be defined as a reef that is roughly circular and surrounds a large central lagoon. This lagoon is mostly deep having a depth of 80-150 meters. The atolls are situated away from the deep sea platforms and are found around an island or on a submarine platform in an elliptical form. For example Fiji Atolls, Suvadivo in the Maldives, and Funafoothis Atoll of Ellice.