UPSC CSE Prelims
Coral Reefs Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Restoration of damaged coral reefs

Biorock technology (also known as mineral accretion technology) uses low-voltage direct electrical current passed through seawater to precipitate dissolved minerals, creating a limestone-like structure on submerged metal frames. This creates an ideal substrate for coral larvae to settle and grow, accelerating coral reef restoration by 3-5 times compared to natural growth rates. The technology also makes corals more resilient to environmental stresses like ocean warming and acidification, making it a valuable tool for marine ecosystem restoration.

📝 Short Notes: Biorock Technology

• Principle: Electrolysis of seawater using low-voltage DC current (1.2-6 volts) causes precipitation of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide on cathode structures
• Structure: Metal frames (usually steel) are placed underwater and connected to a low-voltage power source (solar panels or tidal energy)
• Benefits for Coral Restoration: Accelerated coral growth (3-5x faster), increased coral survival rates (up to 50x higher), enhanced resistance to bleaching and diseases
• Applications: Coral reef restoration, artificial reef creation, shoreline protection, mariculture support
• Developers: Pioneered by architect Wolf Hilbertz and marine biologist Thomas Goreau in the 1970s
• Global Examples: Projects in Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Seychelles, and other tropical regions with degraded coral reefs
• India Context: Potential application in Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands for coral restoration

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3

All three statements about coral reefs are correct. Coral reefs are predominantly found in tropical waters where conditions are optimal for their growth. The distribution of coral reefs is highly concentrated, with Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines together hosting more than one-third of the world's coral reefs. Remarkably, coral reefs exhibit exceptional biodiversity not just in terms of species numbers but also in phyletic diversity, hosting 32 out of 34 animal phyla compared to only 9 phyla in tropical rainforests.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Coral reefs primarily thrive in warm, shallow, clear tropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitudes, where sea surface temperatures typically remain between 20°C and 30°C.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: These three countries (Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines) account for over 40% of the world's coral reef area, with Indonesia holding approximately 18%, Australia 17%, and the Philippines 9%.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: While rainforests have a higher number of species, coral reefs have greater phyletic diversity, hosting 32 of the 34 recognized animal phyla compared to only about 9 phyla found in tropical rainforests.

📝 Short Notes: Coral Reefs

• Definition: Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals, which are marine invertebrates belonging to the class Anthozoa.
• Geographic Distribution: Found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitudes, covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor but supporting 25% of marine species.
• Optimal Conditions: Require warm water (20-30°C), shallow depth (less than 50m for sunlight penetration), clear water with low turbidity, normal salinity (32-42 ppt), and minimal pollution.
• Major Coral Reef Regions: Great Barrier Reef (Australia - largest), Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea), Caribbean Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean islands.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Host 32 out of 34 animal phyla (highest phyletic diversity on Earth), support over 4,000 fish species, 800 coral species, and countless invertebrates.
• Ecological Importance: Provide coastal protection from waves and storms, support fisheries, generate tourism revenue, and are sources of medicinal compounds.
• Threats: Climate change and ocean warming (causing coral bleaching), ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, destructive fishing practices, and coastal development.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Andaman and Nicobar Islands have extensive fringing coral reefs along their coasts, forming one of India's richest marine biodiversity zones.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Gulf of Kutch contains coral reefs in the northern Arabian Sea, declared as India's first Marine National Park in 1982.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka hosts 21 islands with fringing coral reefs, recognized as a Marine Biosphere Reserve.

❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Sundarbans is a mangrove delta ecosystem with brackish water and muddy substrate, unsuitable for coral reef formation which requires clear saline water.