Consider the following statements regarding Irrawaddy dolphins. Irrawa...
- The Irrawaddy dolphin is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin found in scattered subpopulations near sea coasts and in estuaries and rivers in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.
- The protection of the Irrawaddy dolphin is crucial for the overall health of the Mekong River.
Consider the following statements regarding Irrawaddy dolphins. Irrawa...
Explanation:
The given statements are:
1. Irrawaddy dolphins are euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin endemic to Indian Ocean.
2. The protection of these dolphins is crucial to the Ganga river system.
Statement 1: Irrawaddy dolphins are euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin endemic to Indian Ocean.
The statement is incorrect. Irrawaddy dolphins are not euryhaline species. Euryhaline species are those that can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from freshwater to saltwater. However, Irrawaddy dolphins prefer to inhabit estuaries, rivers, and coastal areas with brackish water. They are not found in the open ocean. Therefore, the statement is incorrect.
Statement 2: The protection of these dolphins is crucial to the Ganga river system.
The statement is correct. The protection of Irrawaddy dolphins is indeed crucial to the Ganga river system. Irrawaddy dolphins are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Irrawaddy-Sittaung river systems of Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar. The Ganga river system, which includes the Ganges River, is one of the major habitats of Irrawaddy dolphins in India.
These dolphins play a significant role in the river ecosystem. They help maintain the balance of fish populations by feeding on certain species and preventing their overpopulation. They also act as indicators of the health of the river system. Their presence or absence can provide insights into the overall well-being of the ecosystem.
Conservation efforts for Irrawaddy dolphins in the Ganga river system are essential to ensure the preservation of this species and the conservation of the river ecosystem. Steps such as reducing pollution, preventing habitat degradation, and regulating fishing practices can contribute to their protection.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, statement 1 is incorrect as Irrawaddy dolphins are not euryhaline species. However, statement 2 is correct as the protection of these dolphins is indeed crucial to the Ganga river system.
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