Question 1

With reference to the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, consider the following statements:
1. The Lion-tailed Macaque and the Rhinoceros are listed in Schedule 1, receiving absolute protection.
2. The Bengal Porcupine is categorized under Schedule 3, with penalties lower than those for Schedule 1.
3. The Hyaena and the Nilgai are listed in the same schedule as the Desert Fox.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is correct. The Lion-tailed Macaque and Rhinoceros are provided as examples of animals listed in Schedule 1, which grants them absolute protection with the highest penalties. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Bengal Porcupine is listed as an example under Schedule 2, not Schedule 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hyaena and Nilgai are listed under Schedule 3, whereas the Desert Fox is listed under Schedule 4. Therefore, they are not in the same schedule.

Question 2

Consider the following statements regarding Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972:
1. Animals classified as 'vermin' under Schedule 5, such as the common crow and mice, can be legally hunted.
2. The list of vermin in Schedule 5 is exhaustive and includes the Desert Cat.
3. The Flying Fox, being a fruit-eating bat, is protected under Schedule 4 due to its ecological role in seed dispersal.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is correct. Animals listed in Schedule 5 are designated as 'vermin' and can be hunted. The common crow and mice are explicitly mentioned as examples. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the list of vermin contains only four species (mice, rat, common crow, and flying fox), the Desert Cat is not on this list; it is placed in Schedule 4. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Flying Fox (a fruit-eating bat) is explicitly identified as one of the four animals listed in Schedule 5 as vermin, not a protected species under Schedule 4.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding bear hibernation:
1. A bear's hibernation involves a drastic drop in body temperature, similar to that observed in ground squirrels.
2. Unlike animals in true hibernation, a hibernating bear does not typically awaken to eat or defecate.
3. Asiatic bears, living in warmer climates with year-long food availability, undergo a deep hibernation to conserve energy.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. A bear's hibernation is described as a deep sleep where its body temperature drops, but not drastically, which is a key difference from the true hibernation of animals like ground squirrels. Statement 2 is correct. The process for bears is characterized by not waking up, with the only stated exception being a mother bear giving birth. This is contrasted with true hibernators that awaken to eat and defecate. Statement 3 is incorrect. Asiatic bears live in climates where food is available year-round, and consequently, there is no need for them to hibernate.

Question 4

Consider the following pairs:
(Species : WPA Schedule)
1. Pitcher Plant : Schedule 6
2. King Cobra : Schedule 1
3. Nilgai : Schedule 3
4. Flying Squirrel : Schedule 4
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Pitcher Plant is listed as a prohibited plant under Schedule 6. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The King Cobra is listed as an example under Schedule 2, not Schedule 1. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Nilgai is listed as an example under Schedule 3. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. The Flying Squirrel is listed as an example under Schedule 2, not Schedule 4. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 5

Consider the following statements regarding critically endangered birds in India:
1. The Jerdon's Courser is a flagship species for dry deciduous forests and is endemic to the state of Andhra Pradesh.
2. The Bengal Florican, known for its mating dance, is native to Cambodia, India, and Bhutan.
3. The Forest Owlet, rediscovered after more than a century, is primarily found in the tall grass and scrub habitats of the Western Himalayas.

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Jerdon's Courser is endemic to Andhra Pradesh, it is a flagship species for the extremely threatened scrub jungle, not dry deciduous forests. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Bengal Florican is native to Cambodia, India, and Nepal, not Bhutan. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Forest Owlet is found in the dry deciduous forests of South Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The habitat described (tall grass and scrub on steep hillsides) and location (Western Himalayas) are associated with the Himalayan Quail.

Question 6

Consider the following pairs:
1. White-bellied Heron : Rivers with sand or gravel bars
2. Sociable Lapwing : Grasslands interspersed with scrublands
3. Himalayan Quail : Fallow fields and scrub desert
4. Pink-headed Duck : Overgrown still-water pools and marshes
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. The White-bellied Heron's habitat includes rivers with sand or gravel bars or inland lakes. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Sociable Lapwing's habitat is fallow fields and scrub desert. The habitat described (Grasslands interspersed with scrublands) belongs to the Bengal Florican. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Himalayan Quail's habitat is tall grass and scrub on steep hillsides. The habitat described (Fallow fields and scrub desert) belongs to the Sociable Lapwing. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The Pink-headed Duck's habitat includes overgrown still-water pools, marshes, and swamps. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 7

With reference to certain bird species in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Siberian Crane, last documented in 2002, is a resident bird of the wetland areas in Keoladeo National Park.
2. The Sociable Lapwing is a winter migrant to India whose population has seen a rapid decline.
3. The Himalayan Quail is a species that is hard to detect due to its preference for dense grass and reluctance to fly, and it has not been reliably sighted since 1876.

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Siberian Crane is a migratory bird that winters in wetlands, not a resident bird. Statement 2 is correct. The Sociable Lapwing is described as a winter migrant to India that has suffered a sudden and rapid population decline. Statement 3 is correct. The Himalayan Quail is presumed to be extinct as no reliable records exist after 1876. It is noted as being hard to detect due to its reluctance to fly and its preference for dense grass habitats. Thus, only two statements are correct.

Question 8

Consider the following pairs:
1. Tuberculosis : Mycobacterium spp
2. Rinder pest : Microbilli virus
3. Trypanosomiasis : Trypanosoma virus
4. Anthrax : Bacillus anthraxis
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched with respect to the disease and its causal organism?

Accepted Answer

All four pairs. All four pairs are correctly matched based on the provided table. Pair 1 is correct as Tuberculosis is listed as being caused by Mycobacterium spp. Pair 2 is correct as Rinder pest is listed as being caused by Microbilli virus. Pair 3 is correct as Trypanosomiasis is listed as being caused by Trypanosoma virus. Pair 4 is correct as Anthrax is listed as being caused by Bacillus anthraxis.

Question 9

With reference to the factors that increase a species' vulnerability to extinction, consider the following statements:
1. A high trophic status generally reduces a species' vulnerability to extinction due to its dominant position in the food chain.
2. A high intrinsic rate of population increase is a trait that adversely affects a species' survival.
3. Ecological specialization increases a species' vulnerability to extinction due to habitat fragmentation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The text states that a high trophic status increases vulnerability because animals at higher trophic levels usually have smaller populations. Statement 2 is incorrect. The text lists a 'low intrinsic rate of population increase' as a trait that increases vulnerability, implying a high rate would be beneficial for survival. Statement 3 is correct. The text explicitly identifies 'Ecological specialization' as a trait that adversely affects or increases a species' vulnerability to extinction due to habitat fragmentation.

Question 10

Consider the following statements regarding processes of species extinction:
1. Stochastic processes are characterized by a clear cause and effect, such as glaciations or human interference.
2. The late Cretaceous extinction, assumed to be associated with an extra-terrestrial impact, is an example of a deterministic process.
3. The gradual extinction of vascular plants due to competitive displacement by more advanced forms is considered a stochastic process.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. It describes deterministic processes, not stochastic ones. Stochastic processes are defined as chance and random events. Statement 2 is correct. A massive event like an extra-terrestrial impact has a direct cause and effect on extinction, which fits the definition of a deterministic process. Statement 3 is incorrect. Competitive displacement is a cause-and-effect mechanism, not a chance or random event. Therefore, it represents a deterministic process, not a stochastic one.

Question 11

With reference to the causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), consider the following statements:
1. Successful conservation programmes that lead to an increase in wildlife populations can be a contributing factor to HWC.
2. A growing interest in ecotourism and increasing access to nature reserves are considered causes of HWC.
3. Conservation education for local populations is exclusively a mitigative strategy and not a cause of conflict.

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct. An increasing wildlife population, often a result of successful conservation efforts, can lead to more frequent interactions and conflicts with human populations over shared resources. Statement 2 is correct. The growth of ecotourism and increased human access to natural reserves can disturb wildlife and increase the likelihood of conflict. Statement 3 is incorrect. While seemingly a solution, the text lists 'Conservation education for local populations' as one of the causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict, likely due to increased awareness and reporting of incidents.

Question 12

Consider the following statements regarding strategies for managing Human-Wildlife Conflict:
1. The establishment of insurance programmes and compensation systems are classified as preventive strategies.
2. Voluntary human population resettlement and the creation of physical barriers are classified as mitigative strategies.
3. Regulated harvest of wildlife is categorized as a mitigative strategy.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. Insurance programmes and compensation systems are listed under mitigative strategies, as they address the impacts after a conflict event has occurred. Statement 2 is incorrect. Voluntary human population resettlement and the use of barriers are listed under preventive strategies, as they aim to avoid the conflict from happening in the first place. Statement 3 is correct. Regulated harvest is classified as a mitigative strategy for managing wildlife populations and reducing conflict.

Question 13

Regarding the 'Advisory for Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)', consider the following statements:
1. The advisory suggests utilizing add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop compensation due to HWC.
2. It empowers gram panchayats to deal with problematic wild animals as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. The advisory mandates the full payment of ex-gratia relief to the victim's family within 24 hours of an incident.

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct. The advisory includes augmenting crop compensation through add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Statement 2 is correct. The advisory envisages empowering gram panchayats in dealing with problematic wild animals under section 11 (1) (b) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement 3 is incorrect. The advisory prescribes the payment of 'a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief' within 24 hours, not the full payment.

Question 14

Consider the following statements regarding the Black Panther:
1. The Black Panther is a genetically distinct species found in specific tropical habitats.
2. The dark pigmentation, or melanism, is associated with environmental conditions of high temperature, high humidity, and reduced light.
3. A single litter of cubs cannot contain both black and normal-coloured individuals.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Black Panther is not a separate species; its coloration is due to melanism, which is the excessive presence of the pigment melanin. Statement 2 is correct. The production of melanin is increased in environments with a combination of high temperature, humidity, and reduced light. Statement 3 is incorrect. Both black and normal-coloured cubs can be present in the same litter.

Question 15

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of animals listed in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, across India's biogeographic zones:
1. The Snow Leopard is primarily found in the Gangetic Plain zone.
2. The Great Indian Bustard is a characteristic animal of the Desert biogeographic zone.
3. The Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is listed as an animal of the Trans-Himalayan zone.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Snow Leopard is a characteristic animal of the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zone, not the Gangetic Plain. Statement 2 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is listed as a key species within the Desert zone. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is found in the Desert biogeographic zone, not the Trans-Himalayan zone.

Question 16

Consider the following pairs:
1. Musk Deer : Trans-Himalayan Zone
2. Nilgai : Desert Zone
3. Blackbuck : Gangetic Plain Zone

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

All three pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Musk Deer is listed as an animal found in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zone. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Nilgai (Blue Bull) is listed as an animal found in the Desert biogeographic zone. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Blackbuck is listed as an animal found in the Gangetic Plain biogeographic zone. Therefore, all three pairs are correctly matched.

Question 17

With reference to the fauna of India's biogeographic zones, consider the following statements:
1. The Wild Ass is characteristic of the Desert zone, while the Tibetan Wolf is characteristic of the Trans-Himalayan zone.
2. Both the Desert Cat and the Marmot are primarily found in the Trans-Himalayan zone.
3. The Blackbuck and the Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) are both listed as fauna of the Gangetic Plain zone.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is correct. The Wild Ass is listed under the Desert zone, and the Tibetan Wolf is listed under the Trans-Himalayan zone. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Marmot is found in the Trans-Himalayan zone, the Desert Cat is found in the Desert zone. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Blackbuck is found in the Gangetic Plain zone, the Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is found in the Desert zone.

Question 18

Consider the following statements regarding Himalayan fauna:
1. The Binturong is an arboreal animal that primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and birds.
2. The Bharal, or Blue Sheep, is typically found in forested areas and is known for its arboreal habits.
3. The Chinese Pangolin is a diurnal animal found exclusively in primary tropical forests.

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is correct. The Binturong is described as an arboreal animal that feeds on fruits, insects, and birds. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Bharal's habitat is open grass slopes, and it is known to avoid entering forest areas; it is not arboreal. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Chinese Pangolin is a nocturnal animal, not diurnal. Its habitat includes not only primary forests but also secondary, limestone, and bamboo forests, as well as grasslands and agricultural fields.

Question 19

Consider the following pairs:
1. Brown Bear : Critically Endangered
2. Snow Leopard : Near Threatened
3. Urial : Vulnerable
4. Markhor : Vulnerable
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched with their conservation status?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correct. The Brown Bear is listed with a 'Critically Endangered' status. Pair 2 is incorrect. The Snow Leopard is listed as 'Vulnerable', not 'Near Threatened'. Pair 3 is correct. The Urial is listed with a 'Vulnerable' status. Pair 4 is incorrect. The Markhor is listed as 'Near Threatened', not 'Vulnerable'. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 20

With reference to the major threats faced by Himalayan fauna, consider the following statements:
1. The primary threat to the Chiru is habitat loss due to competition with domestic livestock.
2. The Black Necked-Crane is majorly threatened by being hunted for its fur, known as 'Shahtoosh', for making shawls.
3. A significant threat to the Snow Leopard is the degradation of grasslands resulting from intensive grazing and pesticide use.

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect. The major threat to the Chiru is being hunted for its fur (Shahtoosh). Habitat loss due to competition with livestock is a threat listed for species like the Bharal and Himalayan Ibex. Statement 2 is incorrect. The major threat to the Black Necked-Crane is the degradation of its grassland and marsh habitat due to intensive grazing and pesticide use. Being hunted for 'Shahtoosh' is the primary threat to the Chiru. Statement 3 is incorrect. Major threats to the Snow Leopard include a reduction in prey, illegal trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Degradation of grasslands from intensive grazing and pesticide use is the threat listed for the Black Necked-Crane.

Question 21

Consider the following statements regarding the habitat and ecology of certain feline species:
1. The Sand Cat is a habitat specialist found only in semi-desert environments.
2. The Cheetah is adaptable to various habitats like open grassy areas and savanna woodland but is characteristically absent from tropical rainforests.
3. The Asian Caracal is restricted to semi-desert and open savanna habitats.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Sand Cat is a specialist of sand deserts and is described as being found only in 'true desert', not semi-desert environments. Statement 2 is correct. The Cheetah's habitat includes open grassy areas, dry forest, and savanna woodland, and it is explicitly noted as being absent in tropical rainforests. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Asian Caracal's habitat is not restricted to semi-desert and open savanna; it also extends to moist woodland and evergreen forest.

Question 22

Consider the following pairs:
Species : Major Threat
1. Indian Gazelle : Habitat loss from industrial development
2. Gharial : Hunting by man due to livestock damage
3. Hogdeer : Habitat degradation and hunting
4. Sand Cat : Loss of prey due to human hunting activities

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. A major threat to the Indian Gazelle is habitat loss through industrial development and conversion to agriculture. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Threats to the Gharial include habitat alternation, fishing, and agriculture. Hunting due to livestock damage is a threat associated with the Cheetah and Asian Caracal. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Hogdeer faces threats from both hunting and habitat degradation. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. The major threat to the Sand Cat is habitat degradation from human settlement and livestock grazing. Loss of prey due to human hunting activities is a threat listed for the Cheetah.

Question 23

With reference to fauna of Arid and Semi-Arid zones, consider the following statements:
1. The Hogdeer is primarily an inhabitant of moist tall grasslands and floodplain grasslands.
2. The Gharial is an exclusively terrestrial reptile whose habitat is threatened by fishing and agricultural activities.
3. The Indian Gazelle, with its stronghold in the Thar desert, can be found in both sand deserts and light forests.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct. The habitat for the Hogdeer includes wet or moist tall grassland and floodplain grassland. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Gharial is not an exclusively terrestrial species; its habitat is listed as both Terrestrial and Freshwater. Statement 3 is correct. The Thar desert is a stronghold for the Indian Gazelle, and its habitat includes arid areas, sand deserts, flat plains, dry scrub, and light forest.

Question 24

Consider the following statements regarding fauna of the Western Ghats:
1. The Lion-tailed Macaque is primarily found in lowland swamps and riparian forests in coastal plain districts.
2. The Nilgiri Tahr is adapted to high elevation, grass-covered hills and open terrain.
3. The Malabar Civet is an arboreal and nocturnal species found in evergreen, deciduous, and montane forests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect. The habitat described, 'Lowland forest, lowland swamp and riparian forest in coastal plain district', belongs to the Malabar Civet. The Lion-tailed Macaque inhabits the upper canopy of primary tropical evergreen rainforests. Statement 2 is correct. The Nilgiri Tahr's habitat is described as 'High elevation, grass covered hills, open terrain'. Statement 3 is incorrect. The characteristics 'Arboreal & Nocturnal' and the habitat 'Evergreen, deciduous and montane forest' belong to the Travancore Flying squirrel, not the Malabar Civet.

Question 25

Consider the following statements about the distribution and characteristics of certain squirrel species:
1. The Grizzled giant squirrel is found across Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Peninsular India, including the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and the Satpura range.
2. The Travancore Flying squirrel is a diurnal species restricted to the Western Ghats of Southern India and Sri Lanka.
3. The Indian Giant Squirrel is threatened by habitat degradation from monoculture plantations and hunting.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The range described belongs to the Indian/Malabar Giant Squirrel. The Grizzled giant squirrel is found in Southern India (Kerala, TN) and Sri Lanka. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the range is largely correct, the Travancore Flying squirrel is a nocturnal species, not diurnal. The Indian Giant Squirrel is diurnal. Statement 3 is correct. The major threats listed for the Indian/Malabar Giant Squirrel include 'Habitat degradation - agriculture and plantation, Monoculture, dam, Hunting'.

Question 26

Consider the following pairs:
Species : Major Threat
1. Indo-pacific Finless porpoise : Entanglement in gillnets
2. Malabar Civet : Habitat fragmentation from exotic tea and coffee plantations
3. Nilgiri Langur : Poaching for civet oil
4. Sloth Bear : Poaching for its fat for medicinal purposes
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Indo-pacific Finless porpoise is listed as being 'Susceptible to entanglement in gillnets'. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Habitat fragmentation from exotic plants like tea and coffee is a major threat to the Lion-tailed Macaque, not the Malabar Civet. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Poaching for civet oil is a threat to the Malabar Civet. The Nilgiri Langur is hunted for its skin and for medicine. Pair 4 is correctly matched. A major threat to the Sloth Bear is poaching, with a specific mention of 'Medicine - fat of bear'.

Question 27

With reference to the fauna of the Deccan Peninsula, consider the following statements:
1. The Four-horned antelope is a solitary species that prefers habitats far from any water sources.
2. The Indian Gaur is a versatile species found from sea level up to 2800m, requiring undisturbed forest tracts and coarse grasses.
3. The Red Slender loris is primarily herbivorous and is threatened by habitat loss for agricultural clearance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Four-horned antelope is solitary, it is found in areas 'never far from water'. The statement reverses this key habitat requirement. Statement 2 is correct. The Indian Gaur's habitat is described as being from sea level up to 2800m in undisturbed forest tracts with availability of water and coarse grasses. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Red Slender loris is described as 'Primarily insectivorous', not herbivorous. The threat mentioned, 'clearance of scrub & forest for agriculture', is associated with the Four-horned antelope.

Question 28

With reference to fauna of North East India, consider the following statements:
1. The Pygmy Hog is an arboreal species found primarily in tropical evergreen forests.
2. The Terrapin is a fully terrestrial turtle species.
3. The Bengal slow loris is a diurnal species threatened by habitat loss from dam and power line construction.

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Pygmy Hog is the world's smallest wild pig and inhabits riverine grasslands with shrubs and trees; it is not an arboreal species. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Terrapin utilizes tidal areas of large river estuaries and requires terrestrial nest sites. The Tricarinate Hill Turtle is described as a fully terrestrial species. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Bengal slow loris is described as a nocturnal, arboreal species.

Question 29

Consider the following statements regarding species and their conservation status or range:
1. The Golden Langur is found across Northeast India and its range extends into Southern China.
2. The Red Panda is categorized as 'Vulnerable' and is primarily found in temperate forests with thick bamboo understories.
3. The Crab-eating Macaque is found on the Andaman Islands and is categorized as 'Least Concern'.

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Golden Langur's range is specified as Bhutan and the forest belt of west Assam in North-east India. Its range does not extend into Southern China. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Red Panda inhabits temperate forests with bamboo, its conservation status is listed as 'Endangered', not 'Vulnerable'. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Crab-eating Macaque is found on the Nicobar Islands, not the Andaman Islands, and is categorized as 'Endangered'. The 'Least Concern' category and Andaman Islands location correspond to the Andaman Wild Pig.

Question 30

Consider the following pairs:
1. Pygmy Hog : Smallest wild pig in the world
2. Greater one-horned Rhino : Alluvial grassland habitat
3. Brown-antlered Deer (Sangai) : Temperate Forest habitat
4. Hoolock Gibbon : Nocturnal species
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Pygmy Hog is described as the 'Smallest & Rarest wild pig in the world'. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The habitat of the Greater one-horned Rhino includes alluvial grasslands. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Brown-antlered Deer (Sangai) inhabits open, grass-dominated habitats. The Red Panda is found in temperate forests. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. The Bengal slow loris is specified as a nocturnal species, not the Hoolock Gibbon.

Question 31

With reference to the Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania), consider the following statements:
1. It is a nocturnal species that constructs a nest exclusively during its breeding season.
2. Its presence serves as a key indicator for the management status of tall 'terai' grassland habitats.
3. The Pygmy hog-sucking Louse, a parasite dependent on the hog, faces a similar critically endangered risk category due to host-parasite linkage.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Pygmy Hog constructs a nest throughout the year, not exclusively during the breeding season. The provided information does not specify whether the species is nocturnal. Statement 2 is correct. The Pygmy Hog is one of the most useful indicators of the management status of grassland habitats, which are specified as tall 'terai' grasslands. Statement 3 is correct. The Pygmy hog-sucking Louse (Haematopinus oliveri) feeds only on Pygmy Hogs, and its survival is directly linked to that of its host, placing it in the same risk category.

Question 32

Consider the following pairs:
1. Large Rock Rat (Elvira Rat) : Western Ghats
2. Namdapha Flying Squirrel : Namdapha Tiger Reserve
3. Andaman White-toothed Shrew : Mount Harriet
4. Nicobar White-tailed Shrew : Campbell Bay National Park

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched in terms of species and their known distribution/location?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Large Rock Rat (Elvira Rat) is known only from the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, not the Western Ghats. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is found only in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Andaman White-toothed Shrew is found on Mount Harriet in the South Andaman Islands. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The Nicobar White-tailed Shrew is recorded in the area extending from the Campbell Bay National Park to the Galathea River.

Question 33

Consider the following statements regarding critically endangered mammals of India:
1. The Malabar Civet is a nocturnal mammal found exclusively in the wooded plains of the Eastern Ghats.
2. The Large Rock Rat is a burrowing rodent, endemic to India, and its known habitat is restricted to the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
3. The Namdapha Flying Squirrel belongs to a genus with multiple other species and is primarily hunted for its fur.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Malabar Civet is found exclusively in the Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats. Statement 2 is correct. The Large Rock Rat (Cremnomys elvira) is described as a nocturnal and burrowing rodent endemic to India, known only from the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is unique and the only one in its genus (Biswamoyopterus). It is hunted for food, not specifically for fur.

Question 34

Consider the following statements regarding river dolphins:
1. The Ganges river dolphin is found in the Indus River and its tributaries.
2. The Indus river dolphin has been recognized by the Government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.
3. The Indus river dolphin is the state aquatic animal of Punjab.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ganges river dolphin is found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries, not the Indus. The Indus river dolphin is found in the Indus River. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Ganges river dolphin, not the Indus river dolphin, has been recognized by the Government of India as its National Aquatic Animal. Statement 3 is correct. The Indus river dolphin is declared as the state aquatic animal of Punjab.

Question 35

With reference to herbivorous marine mammals, consider the following statements:
1. Dugongs primarily inhabit deep, offshore marine waters, avoiding coastal areas.
2. The Government of India has successfully established the country's first conservation reserve for the Dugong in the Gulf of Mannar.
3. Hunting for their meat and oil is a significant threat to the Dugong population.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. Dugongs inhabit swamps, rivers, estuaries, marine wetlands, and coastal marine waters; they are not restricted to deep, offshore waters. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Tamil Nadu government, not the Government of India, is on the path to establishing the conservation reserve; it has not been stated as successfully established yet. Statement 3 is correct. Hunting for meat and oil is explicitly listed as a threat to Dugongs.

Question 36

Consider the following statements about Fire corals:
1. Genetically, Fire corals are more closely related to true corals than to jellyfish.
2. Fire corals are highly sensitive to siltation and are therefore found exclusively in clear offshore sites.
3. The collection of Fire corals for the jewellery trade is a recognized threat to their population.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. Fire corals are more closely related to jellyfish than to corals. Statement 2 is incorrect. Fire corals display a tolerance for siltation and can be found in murky inshore waters, not exclusively in clear offshore sites. Statement 3 is correct. It is mentioned that Fire corals are collected for decoration and the jewellery trade, which is a threat.

Question 37

Consider the following statements regarding different groups of mammals:
1. Marsupials are characterized by laying eggs, which are then carried in a pouch on the female's belly until hatching.
2. Placental mammals nourish their developing embryo through a specialized organ attached to the uterus wall, allowing for longer gestation periods.
3. The male platypus is venomous.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect. This statement incorrectly applies the reproductive characteristic of an echidna (a monotreme) to marsupials. Marsupials give birth to live, underdeveloped young which then continue to develop, often in a pouch. Statement 2 is correct. Placental mammals are defined by the use of a placenta to nourish the embryo inside the uterus, which facilitates longer gestation times. Statement 3 is correct. The male platypus possesses venom that is potent enough to kill a small dog or inflict excruciating pain on humans.

Question 38

Consider the following pairs:
1. Siberian Crane : Summer migratory bird to India
2. Asian Koel : Winter migratory bird to India
3. Greater Flamingo : Winter migratory bird to India
4. Comb Duck : Winter migratory bird to India
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Siberian Crane is a winter visitor to India. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Asian Koel is a summer visitor to India. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Greater Flamingo is classified as a winter migratory bird to India. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. The Comb Duck is classified as a summer migratory bird to India. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.

Question 39

With reference to the characteristics of certain animal species, consider the following statements:
1. The short gestation time in marsupials is attributed to their yolk-type placenta.
2. All five living species of monotremes are endemic to Australia and New Guinea.
3. The largest shark species, such as the whale shark, are typically harmless plankton eaters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

All three. Statement 1 is correct. The presence of a yolk-type placenta in marsupials is the reason for their short gestation time. Statement 2 is correct. The five extant species of monotremes, which include the duck-billed platypus and four species of echidnas, are found exclusively in Australia and New Guinea. Statement 3 is correct. Contrary to the common perception of sharks as fierce carnivores, the largest species, including the whale shark, basking shark, and megamouth shark, are harmless and feed on plankton.

Question 40

Consider the following fauna, often associated with the unique ecosystems of the Nicobar Islands:
1. Nicobar Megapode
2. Crab-eating Macaque
3. Leatherback Sea Turtle

How many of the above are considered endemic to the Nicobar Islands archipelago?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct: The Nicobar Megapode is a bird species endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Statement 2 is correct: The Crab-eating Macaque (specifically the subspecies Macaca fascicularis umbrosus) is native and endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Leatherback Sea Turtle is a highly migratory marine species found in oceans worldwide. While Great Nicobar Island is one of the world's most important nesting sites for this species, the turtle itself is not endemic to the islands. Therefore, only two of the species listed are endemic.

Question 41

Statement-I: Large-scale dredging and port construction in tropical coastal areas often lead to a decline in the health and population of nearby coral reefs.

Statement-II: Increased sedimentation from such activities enhances light penetration for symbiotic zooxanthellae, boosting coral photosynthesis and growth.

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-I is correct. Coastal megaprojects involving dredging and construction increase water turbidity and can release pollutants, which are known stressors for sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. Statement-II is incorrect. It inverts the scientific process. Increased sedimentation and turbidity *reduce* light penetration, not enhance it. This smothers corals and inhibits the photosynthesis of their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), leading to coral bleaching and death. Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

Question 42

With reference to the protection of tribal communities and forest areas in India, consider the following statements:
1. The consent of the concerned Gram Sabha is a prerequisite for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
2. The designation of an area as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's programme automatically confers legal immunity from all developmental activities.
3. The Shompen, a hunter-gatherer community of Great Nicobar, are officially classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct: The Forest Rights Act, 2006, mandates that the consent of the Gram Sabha is required before diverting forest land. Statement 2 is incorrect: While a Biosphere Reserve designation signifies ecological importance, it is primarily a conservation and sustainable development framework under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. It does not provide automatic legal immunity. Legal protection is derived from national laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Governments can de-notify or divert land from such areas for projects. Statement 3 is correct: The Shompen tribe is one of the 75 listed PVTGs in India, recognized for their pre-agricultural level of technology, low literacy, and declining or stagnant population.

Question 43

Consider the following pairs regarding fauna and their characteristics:
1. Nicobar Megapode : Builds large nesting mounds on the forest floor.
2. Leatherback Sea Turtle : Feeds primarily on hard-shelled crustaceans.
3. Crab-eating Macaque : Known for using stone tools to crack open nuts.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Nicobar Megapode is a mound-building bird. It does not incubate its eggs with body heat but buries them in large mounds of sand and vegetation, where the heat from decomposition incubates them. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Leatherback Sea Turtle has delicate, scissor-like jaws adapted for a diet of soft-bodied invertebrates, primarily jellyfish. It does not feed on hard-shelled crustaceans. Pair 3 is correctly matched: Certain populations of Crab-eating Macaques (or long-tailed macaques) in the Nicobar Islands and parts of Southeast Asia are well-documented for using stone tools to break open hard-shelled nuts and mollusks. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Environmental Pollution

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