Which venomous marine reptile is frequently encountered basking on the surface of calm coastal waters in the Gulf of Oman and Musandam fjords?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Yellow-bellied sea snake
- Step 1: The yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) is a fully pelagic marine reptile commonly observed drifting with ocean currents in the Gulf of Oman.
- Step 2: It possesses a flattened paddle-like tail for swimming and potent neurotoxic venom used to subdue small fish.
Answer
Yellow-bellied sea snake.
Why not the others: 'Saltwater crocodile' is native to the Indo-Pacific; 'Marine iguana' is endemic solely to the Galapagos Islands; 'Cottonmouth water moccasin' is a semi-aquatic pit viper native to the southeastern United States.
Practise more Ecosystems, Dhofar Khareef, Marine Biodiversity and Nature Reserves.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Knowledge (Oman) mock tests.
More Ecosystems, Dhofar Khareef, Marine Biodiversity and Nature Reserves questions
- What meteorological phenomenon transforms the coastal mountains of Dhofar into a lush green landscape between June and September each year?
- Which iconic desert mammal, known as the 'White Oryx', was successfully reintroduced to the wild in the Jiddat al-Harasis plains of Oman aft…
- Which protected marine archipelago, located north of Muscat and Barka, is recognized as a UNESCO-candidate nature reserve featuring pristine…
- Which world-renowned nature reserve at the easternmost point of Oman serves as the largest nesting ground in the Indian Ocean for the endang…
- Which botanical species, native to the arid valleys of Dhofar, yields the precious fragrant resin that formed the basis of ancient Oman's gl…
- Which critically endangered apex predator is safeguarded in the rugged limestone canyons of the Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar?