The Islands


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Islands

The Islands: India has two island groups. These are:

1.  The Lakshadweep islands group, which lies close to the Malabar coast (Kerala). This group of islands is composed of small coral islands. Earlier, they were known as Lacadive, Minicoy and Amindive. In 1973, these were named as Lakshadweep. They cover a small area of 32 sq km.

2.  Kavaratti Island is the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep. In this group, the Pitti Island has a bird sanctuary which is uninhabited.

3.  The Andaman and Nicobar islands are two chains of densely forested islands. The Andamans are bigger in size. They are more numerous and scattered. The entire group of islands is divided into two broad categories: the Andamans in the North and the Nicobars in the South. These islands are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains. The southernmost tip of these islands (called Indira Point) is more South than the Indian mainland.

India’s only active volcano is found on Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. These islands are of great strategic importance for the country. There is great diversity of flora and fauna in this group of islands. They lie close to equator and experience equatorial and climate with thick forest cover.

Corals: Coral polyps are short-lived microscopic organisms which live in colonies. They flourish in shallow, mud free and warm waters. They secrete calcium carbonate. The coral secretion and their skeletons form coral deposits in the form of reefs. The reefs are mainly of three kinds; barrier reef, fringing reef and atoll. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a good example of the first kind of coral reef.

Conclusion:

  • The mountains are the major sources of waters and forest wealth.
  • The Northern plains are the granaries of the country. They provided the base for early civilizations.
  • The plateau is a storehouse of minerals; whit has played a crucial role in the industrialization of the country.
  • The coastal regions and island groups provide sites for fishing and port related activities.
  • Thus, the diverse physical features of the land haw immense future possibilities for development.

    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the ___________________, branch of ________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The Lakshadweep islands lie south of ______________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the ___________________

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
     
     
     


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