2018 · Q21
Which one of the following statements with regard to growth of coral reefs is not correct ?
General KnowledgeBiology
- ACoral can grow abundantly in freshwater.
- BIt requires warm water between 23 °C– 25 °C.
- CIt requires shallow saltwater, not deeper than 50 metres.
- DIt requires plenty of sunlight to aid photosynthesis.
Explanation
Coral polyps require warm, shallow, sunlit salt water (about 23-25 degC, less than 50 m deep) so that their symbiotic zooxanthellae can photosynthesise. Fresh water cannot support reef-building corals, which are strictly marine organisms. The statements about warm water, shallow salt water and sunlight are all correct requirements. Therefore the statement that coral can grow abundantly in fresh water is the one that is not correct.