Indian Islands – Long Answer Questions
Medium Level (Application & Explanation)
Q1. Compare the Lakshadweep Islands with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in terms of location, size, and features.
Answer:
- Lakshadweep lies close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.
- Andaman and Nicobar lie in the Bay of Bengal, stretching north to south.
- Andaman and Nicobar are larger and more numerous than Lakshadweep.
- Lakshadweep is made of small coral islands.
- Andaman and Nicobar are believed to be elevated submarine mountains.
- Lakshadweep is known for fishing and port activities.
- Andaman and Nicobar have rich biodiversity, thick forests, and equatorial climate.
Q2. Explain how the location and composition of Lakshadweep support fishing and port activities.
Answer:
- Lakshadweep is near the Malabar coast of Kerala.
- Its location allows short sea routes to the mainland.
- It is made up of small coral islands.
- Many small islands can host fishing points and small ports.
- The group is known for fishing and port activities.
- Its coastal closeness makes regular movement of boats easier.
- Thus, place and structure support marine-based livelihoods.
Q3. Describe why Andaman and Nicobar experience an equatorial climate and how that links to its forests and biodiversity.
Answer:
- The islands lie near the equator.
- Because of this position, they have an equatorial climate.
- The group has a thick forest cover.
- The forests support rich flora and fauna.
- Climate and forests together build high biodiversity.
- The natural setting helps many life forms to thrive.
- This makes the islands a rich ecological zone.
Q4. What do we mean by “elevated portions of submarine mountains” in the context of Andaman and Nicobar?
Answer:
- The term means parts of undersea mountains that rise above sea level.
- These raised parts form the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Such a base gives the islands strong rocky foundations.
- It also helps explain their varied physical features.
- These features open future possibilities for development.
- The idea links the islands to the ocean floor’s structure.
- So, geology shapes the island landscape and its uses.
Q5. List the historical names of Lakshadweep and explain why learning them is useful.
Answer:
- Lakshadweep was earlier called Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive.
- These names show the history of the islands.
- They can appear in maps and older records.
- Knowing them helps in exams and projects.
- It also prevents confusion when reading older sources.
- Today we use the single name Lakshadweep.
- This builds clarity and connects past and present.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. A fishing company must choose a base: Lakshadweep or Andaman–Nicobar. Which is better and why?
Answer:
- Choose Lakshadweep for a fishing base.
- The group is known for fishing and port activities.
- It lies close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.
- This makes movement and access easier.
- Its many small coral islands can host small ports.
- The setting supports regular boat operations.
- Thus, Lakshadweep fits a marine business well.
Q7. As a planner, suggest a balanced approach to develop Andaman–Nicobar while protecting its biodiversity.
Answer:
- Keep thick forest areas as protected zones.
- Allow development only in selected spaces.
- Respect the equatorial climate while planning land use.
- Use the north–south spread to distribute activities.
- Focus on low-impact projects that suit the diverse physical features.
- Support research on flora and fauna to guide actions.
- Balance strategic importance with nature protection.
Q8. On a blank map of India, how would you identify and label Lakshadweep and Andaman–Nicobar correctly?
Answer:
- Mark Lakshadweep near the Malabar coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea side.
- Place it as a small group of tiny islands.
- Mark Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal.
- Show them as a north–south chain of islands.
- Label the Andaman group in the north.
- Label the Nicobar group in the south.
- Note that Andaman–Nicobar are larger and more numerous.
Q9. A research team wants to study island geology and climate together. Which group suits them more? Justify.
Answer:
- Choose Andaman and Nicobar for joint studies.
- Their geology links to elevated submarine mountains.
- They also have an equatorial climate.
- The islands hold thick forests and rich biodiversity.
- This mix helps study land–climate–life relations.
- The diverse physical features offer many sites.
- So, one group gives multiple research angles.
Q10. Explain how Indian islands support national goals through strategic importance and development possibilities.
Answer:
- The islands have strategic importance for India.
- Lakshadweep supports fishing and port activities.
- Andaman–Nicobar offer diverse physical features.
- These features open future possibilities for development.
- Their locations in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal matter.
- They also hold rich biodiversity and thick forests to conserve.
- Together, they serve nature and national interests.