An Unusual Country
The Maldives is made up of atolls. These are ocean structures made up of coral reefs encircling a shallow lagoon and are characteristically low lying. In Maldives, 5 Star Hotelsare spread over the nation’s atolls; such as the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo which is located on the nation’s southern atolls.
Marine Life
Due to the coral based atolls, Maldives has a distinctive and varied body of sea life. Within the nation’s waters, there are more than 2000 species of fish; including clown fish, moray eels, eagle rays and whale sharks.
Flora and Fauna of the Atolls
In its natural state, the atolls are home to varieties of grasses, coconut trees and banyan trees. The inhabited islands have now been cultivated with plantations; including banana, breadfruit and coconut trees. The islands’ fauna consists mainly of smaller animals such as fruit bats and lizards. Much like any other island in the tropics, it is also home to a variety of crabs.
The Birth of the Atolls
Interestingly, the origin of the Maldives is a mystery. Charles Darwin theorised that the coral reefs formed around volcanoes emerging from the sea and when the volcanoes submerged, lagoons were left behind. Alternatively, Hans Hass suggested that coral reefs formed on top of submerged mountains which continued to grow until they reached the surface. While the truth is still unknown, the coral based nature of atolls means that the Maldives continuously growing albeit at a very slow pace.
| Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+ |
