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
Answer: D
Explanation
Most coral reefs are located in tropical shallow waters less than 50 meters deep, in the western regions of the Indian ocean, Pacific Ocean and Greater Caribbean. Global distribution of corals- Australia-17% Indonesia-16% Philippines-9% So, Australia, Indonesia and Philippines together host more than one-third of world’s corals. 32 of the 34 recognised animal Phyla are found on coral reefs compared to only 9 Phyla in tropical rainforests.