Which one of the following biosphere reserves comprises islands with estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves ?
Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve
Identifying Biosphere Reserves by Ecosystems
The question asks us to identify a specific biosphere reserve from the given options that contains a diverse range of coastal and marine ecosystems, including islands, estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangroves.
Let's examine each option based on the ecosystems it comprises:
Analysis of Biosphere Reserve Options
- Sunderban biosphere reserve: Located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It is world-famous for its vast mangrove forests and estuaries. It also includes numerous islands formed by the deltaic process. However, it is not known for significant coral reefs.
- Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve: Located in the Gulf of Mannar and adjacent mainland coast in India. This biosphere reserve is recognized for its rich marine and coastal biodiversity. It encompasses a chain of 21 islands, along with the surrounding marine environment that includes estuaries, sandy beaches, extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes, and mangrove forests along the coast and islands. This description aligns perfectly with the ecosystems listed in the question.
- Nilgiri biosphere reserve: Situated in the Western Ghats mountain range. This is primarily a terrestrial biosphere reserve covering evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, montane grasslands, and sholas. It does not contain coastal or marine ecosystems like coral reefs, estuaries, beaches, salt marshes, or mangroves.
- Nandadevi biosphere reserve: Located in the state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayas. This is a high-altitude biosphere reserve known for its alpine meadows and temperate forests. It is a purely terrestrial reserve and does not have any coastal or marine features.
Comparing the required ecosystems (islands, estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangroves) with the characteristics of each biosphere reserve, the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve is the only one that includes all these features.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the ecosystems present in each biosphere reserve, the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve is the one that comprises islands, estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangroves.
Revision Table: Comparing Biosphere Reserves
| Biosphere Reserve | Islands | Estuaries | Beaches | Coral Reefs | Salt Marshes | Mangroves | Fits Question Criteria? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderban | Yes (Deltaic) | Yes | Yes (Coastal) | No (Significant) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Gulf of Mannar | Yes (21 Islands) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nilgiri | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Nandadevi | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Additional Information on Biosphere Reserves and Ecosystems
Biosphere Reserves are areas designated by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. They are intended to conserve landscapes, ecosystems, and species.
- Estuaries: Areas where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They are highly productive ecosystems.
- Coral Reefs: Underwater ecosystems characterized by reef-building corals. They are home to a vast diversity of marine life.
- Salt Marshes: Coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. They are dominated by salt-tolerant plants.
- Mangroves: Trees and shrubs that grow in coastal saline or brackish water. They form dense forests in tropical and subtropical tidal areas, providing habitat and protecting coastlines.
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is one of the major marine biosphere reserves in India and globally recognized for its ecological significance due to the presence of these diverse coastal and marine habitats.
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