GS PrelimsEnvironmentCorals2018

Consider the following statements : 1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters. 2. More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines. 3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 and 2 only

B

3 only

C

1 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. Coral reefs thrive in specific conditions, primarily warm, clear, shallow, sunlit tropical and subtropical waters, generally between 30°N and 30°S latitudes. 2. Statement 2 is correct. The region encompassing Australia (including the Great Barrier Reef), Indonesia, and the Philippines forms a significant part of the world's coral reef distribution, containing a very high concentration of reef biodiversity. Collectively, these territories are estimated to hold well more than one-third of the world's coral reefs. 3. Statement 3 is correct. Biodiversity can be measured at different levels. While tropical rainforests have immense species diversity, coral reefs exhibit greater diversity at higher taxonomic levels, specifically phyla. Coral reefs are known to host representatives from almost all known animal phyla (around 32 out of 34), whereas tropical rainforests, despite high species numbers, represent fewer phyla (around 9).

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