Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India. These islands are known as coral islands because they are formed by coral reef growth.
Coral reefs are underwater structures composed of the skeletons of coral polyps, which are small, soft-bodied animals that secrete a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton. These exoskeletons accumulate over time, forming large structures known as coral reefs.
In the case of Lakshadweep, the coral reefs surrounding the islands have grown and accumulated over time to form the islands themselves. The coral reefs provide a solid foundation for the islands and also protect the islands from the erosive forces of waves and storms.
Additionally, Lakshadweep also boasts a rich marine biodiversity, with a wide variety of coral and fish species. Coral reefs are known to be one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth, and the coral reefs in Lakshadweep are no exception.
In summary, Lakshadweep is known as a coral island because the islands are formed by the growth of coral reefs, which provide a solid foundation and protects the island from the erosive forces of waves and storms, also it is home to a rich marine biodiversity, with a wide variety of coral and fish species.