UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

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?

Explanation:

• Coral reefs can be found in tropical destinations around the world, mostly in areas around the equator where the water is warmer. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• Over half of the world’s coral reefs are found within six countries: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Maldives. The coastal waters of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines are home to more than one third of the world's coral reefs. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  
• Although they cover less than 0.1% of the earth’s surface, coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world. Coral reefs are home to 4,000 species of reef fish, 840 species of corals and over 1 million species of other animals. Coral reefs are also home to 32 of 34 recognized animal Phyla whereas only 9 are found in tropical rainforests. Thus, it has more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation