In Biosphere Reserves of India, which term combines the facts “it includes islands and shallow coastal waters” and “the dugong is an important conservation association”?

Correct Answer: Option D — Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is correct because it is the dugong is an important conservation association. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is also specifically associated with it includes islands and shallow coastal waters. 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 cyclones and salinity are major ecological pressures. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is it lies within the lower Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. • Option B — Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is forest and plateau habitats support central Indian biodiversity. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is it is associated with the Satpura landscape. • Option C — Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is it was India's first designated biosphere reserve. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is it spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Exam Takeaway: Connect Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve with “the dugong is an important conservation association” and “it includes islands and shallow coastal waters”.