SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 9

Correct Answer

Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

Explanation

The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, located in West Bengal, contains the Sundarbans National Park, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Situated on the vast delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, it constitutes the largest estuarine mangrove forest tract anywhere in the world. It is highly celebrated globally for its complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and salt-tolerant mangrove ecosystems.

The geographic location provides a critical natural stronghold for an exceptionally rich level of coastal and marine biodiversity. This unique amphibious habitat forms the only mangrove ecosystem in the world inhabited by the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger. The property provides a vital sanctuary for several globally threatened aquatic and terrestrial species, including the estuarine crocodile, the Indian python, and rare cetaceans like the Ganges River dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Key Points

While Sundarbans is a renowned coastal mangrove ecosystem, the other options represent distinct ecological landscapes across India. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spans the Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka and is famous for its shola forest-grassland complex. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve protects the high-altitude wilderness and peaks of the Himalayan range in Uttarakhand. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is a marine protected area located between India and Sri Lanka, globally famous for its diverse coral reefs and sea cows (dugongs).

Important Questions and Answers

Question: In which Indian state is the world's largest mangrove forest tract, the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, located?

Answer: West Bengal.

Question: Which flagship big cat species is uniquely adapted to an amphibious lifestyle within the tidal forests of the Sundarbans?

Answer: The Royal Bengal Tiger.