Correct Answer: Option B — Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is correct because it is it includes islands and shallow coastal waters. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is also specifically associated with coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are important ecosystems. Two additional identifying facts are that Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are important ecosystems and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is associated with the dugong is an important conservation association. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option A — Sundarban Biosphere Reserve: Sundarban Biosphere Reserve is it lies within the lower Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove islands dominate the landscape. • Option C — Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is it is associated with the Satpura landscape. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is Satpura National Park, Bori Sanctuary and Pachmarhi Sanctuary are associated protected areas. • Option D — Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is it spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is montane shola-grassland and tropical forest habitats occur within it. Exam Takeaway: Connect Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve with “it includes islands and shallow coastal waters” and “coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are important ecosystems”.
