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 animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Coral reefs predominantly thrive in warm, shallow waters, typically between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (30°N to 30°S latitude). These tropical regions provide the ideal conditions--such as appropriate temperature, light, and salinity--for coral growth. The warm water temperatures are essential for the symbiotic relationship between coral polyps and the algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues.
Statement 2 is correct: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, along with coral reef systems in Indonesia and the Philippines (part of the Coral Triangle), collectively account for more than one-third of the world’s coral reefs. These regions are globally renowned for their extensive and diverse coral systems.
Statement 3 is correct: Coral reefs are among the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth, hosting over 25,000 described species from 32 of the 33 known animal phyla, which is more than the number of animal phyla found in tropical rainforests.