News excerpt: 

Recently, Scientists have discovered two pristine coral reefs in the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands. 

About the newly discovered Coral Reefs:

In the Galapagos Islands, scientists discovered two new coral reefs and two previously unexplored seamounts.

• The largest reef is 800 metres long, approximately around eight football fields, and the second is 250 metres long.
• The SuBastian Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) documented white polyps growing from branches of precious coral (Corallium) as it descended at a spot on the northern side of Isabela Island. 

About the Galapagos Islands:

• It is situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent; these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. 

• The Galápagos are a 'melting pot’ of marine species due to their location at the confluence of three ocean currents (the Humboldt Current, the Panama Flow and the Cromwell Current).
• Three major tectonic plates—Nazca, Cocos and Pacific— meet at the basis of the ocean, which is of significant geological interest.
• In 1978, the islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 1986, the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was created to protect the surrounding waters.
• The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island promotes scientific studies and protects the indigenous vegetation and animal life of the Galapagos.

Prelims PYQ

Q. Consider the following statements (UPSC 2018)

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) 1and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q. Which of the following have coral reefs? (UPSC 2014)

(1). Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(2). Gulf of Kachchh

(3). Gulf of Mannar

(4). Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Mains PYQ

Q. Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (UPSC 2019)