question_answer

  How are coral reefs formed? Name two examples of coral reefs.        Or What are corals ? Name and describe the island which is of coral origin.     Or Write a short note on 'corals'.    

Answer:

                  Coral polyps are short lived microscopic organisms which lives in colonies. They flourish in shallow, mud free and warm waters. They secrete calcium carbonate. The coral secretion and their skeleton form coral deposits in form of reefs. They are mainly of three kinds (i) Barrier reef (ii) Fringing reef   (iii) Atolls The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a perfect example of the first kind of coral reefs. Atolls are circular or horse shoe shaped coral reefs. In India, Lakshadweep island is of coral origin. It covers small area of 32 square km. Kavaratti island is the administrative head quarters of Lakshadweep. This island group has great diversity of flora and fauna. The Pitti island which is uninhabited has a bird sanctuary.