All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The largest barrier reef system in the world is found at _______.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

North East Australian Coast

Exploring the World's Largest Barrier Reef System

The question asks about the location of the largest barrier reef system in the world. Barrier reefs are types of coral reefs that run parallel to the coast and are separated from the shore by a lagoon.

Let's look at the options provided:

  • North East Australian Coast
  • West Australian Coast
  • North Australian Coast
  • South Australian Coast

The largest barrier reef system on Earth is widely known and is a prominent geographical feature.

Analyzing the options:

  • The West Australian Coast has some coral reefs, including Ningaloo Reef, but it is not the largest system.
  • The North Australian Coast (excluding the far northeast) also has reefs, but not the extensive barrier system in question.
  • The South Australian Coast is generally cooler and not known for large, extensive tropical coral reef systems like the one being discussed.
  • The North East Australian Coast is home to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland in North East Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers.

Therefore, the largest barrier reef system in the world is found at the North East Australian Coast.

Revision Table: Key Reef Locations

Reef System Location Significance
Great Barrier Reef North East Australian Coast Largest barrier reef system in the world
Ningaloo Reef West Australian Coast Large fringing reef, whale shark aggregation site
Belize Barrier Reef Coast of Belize Largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere

Additional Information: Understanding Barrier Reefs

Barrier reefs are one of the three main types of coral reefs, alongside fringing reefs and atolls.

  • Fringing Reefs: Grow directly from the shore or are separated by a narrow, shallow lagoon.
  • Barrier Reefs: Run parallel to the coastline but are separated by a wider, deeper lagoon. The Great Barrier Reef is a prime example.
  • Atolls: Ring-shaped reefs surrounding a lagoon, often formed from submerged volcanic islands.

Barrier reef systems like the Great Barrier Reef are incredibly important ecosystems, providing habitats for a vast diversity of marine life and protecting coastlines from erosion. They are also significant for tourism and research.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Alluvial soils vary in nature from sandy loam to clay. They are generally

  2. Tropical evergreen rain forest biome provides optimum environmental conditions for the growth of plants and animals. Which one among the following statements regarding this is not correct?

  3. Which one of the following with regard to Aridisol, one of the soil orders, is not correct?

  4. Which one of the following soils is characterized by very high content of organic matter?

  5. Which one of the following set of trees does not belong to Temperate Floral Zone of Himalaya?

  6. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

    List I (Soil Type)List II (Salient Characteristic)
    A.Entisols1.Soils having weakly or quickly developed horizons
    B.Inceptisols2.Weakly developed soils with no horizons
    C.Histosols3.These soils are very old and highly weathered
    D.Oxisols4.These soils have very high quantity of organic matter in the upper layers
  7. Inceptisols, Entisols, Vertisols and Mollisols are orders of which one of the following ?

  8. Which one of the following landforms is/are formed by wind erosion?

  9. Which one among the following isnota coral reef island?

  10. Timber vegetation is generally not found in which of the following regions?


Important Questions from Biogeography

  1. Alluvial soils vary in nature from sandy loam to clay. They are generally

  2. The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?

    1. Burrowing animals and termites

    2. Fire

    3. Grazing herbivores

    4. Seasonal rainfall

    5. Soil properties

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.  

  3. “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.” This is the most likely description of

  4. Black soil is also known as 'Black _____ Soil'.

  5. Which of the following statement is not correct?

    I. Laterite soil is useful for growing tea and coffee.

    II. Laterite soils are formed in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1473 Attempts
4.3(173)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App