Question

Which one of the following does NOT illustrate the importance of the Coral Reef?

1. They provide employment to the people
2. They supply building materials
3. They protect shoreline from storms
4. They protect communities from earthquakes

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : They protect communities from earthquakes

The correct answer is option 4.

• The benefits of coral reefs are as follows-
  • Economic Development- They are the backbone of local economies. The tourist industry and Fishery industry flourishes near coral reefs. Hence, option 1 is correct.
  • Water Filtration- Most corals and sponges are filter feeders which mean that they consume particulate matter suspended in the water column.
  • A Barrier from storms and surge- Reefs play an important role in protecting the shoreline from storms and surge water. Hence, option 3 is correct.
  • They absorb wave energy and contribute to the reduction of coastal erosion.
  • They reduce damage in the event of storms, hurricanes and other cyclones, as well as, to some extent, the energy of tsunamis.
  • Coral 'stones' extracted from areas such as the Gulf of Mannar, India, are used as building blocks or in road construction and as source material for house decorations. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Vertical tectonic displacement of coral reefs associated with an earthquake.
• The coseismic vertical motion may cause submergence or raise the shallow part of reefs to levels relative to sea level above where they can live.
• The amount of vertical motion may be barely detectable or can exceed 10 m.
• Subsidence is less obvious than uplift, but both provide significant information regarding earthquakes and tectonic processes.
• There is no scientific evidence that They protect communities from earthquakes. Hence, option 4 is not correct.