Largest Coral Found

Discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Solomon Islands.

Size of Coral

Measures 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high.

Age of Coral

Estimated to be over 300 years old.

Species

Identified as Pavona clavus.

Health Condition

The coral is in good health, despite nearby shallow reefs being degraded due to warmer seas.

Habitat

Located in deeper waters, which may have protected it from warmer surface temperatures.

Discovery Team

Found by Manu San Felix, a videographer with National Geographic Pristine Seas, along with his son Inigo.

Measuring Method

Scientists used a tape measure underwater to determine the coral’s dimensions.

Significance of Discovery

The coral serves as a living history of oceanic conditions and a potential source of data on past marine environments.

Global Coral Threat

44% of corals in warm waters are threatened with extinction, per a report by the IUCN.

Economic Importance

Coral reefs support the livelihoods of 1 billion people, contributing to tourism and fishing industries.

Climate Change Impact

Small island nations like the Solomon Islands are vulnerable, experiencing stronger cyclones and coastal erosion.

Solomon Islands' Economy

Heavily dependent on logging, which accounts for 50-70% of annual export revenue, but causes water pollution.

Scientific Importance

Scientists hope to study this coral to understand its growth patterns and resilience over centuries.

UN Climate Talks

The discovery was announced during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The Solomon Islands is surrounded by which of the following bodies of water?

1. Coral Sea
2. Pacific Ocean
3. Arafura Sea
4. Timor Sea

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2, and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: a

Explanation:
The Solomon Islands are surrounded by the Coral Sea to the southeast and the Pacific Ocean to the east. They are not surrounded by the Arafura Sea or the Timor Sea.