Endemic species:
Endemic species are those that are native or restricted to a specific geographic region and are not found anywhere else in the world. They evolve in isolation and have unique adaptations to their local environment.
Examples of endemic species:
Among the given options, the example of an endemic species is:
- Mithun: Mithun, also known as the Gayal, is a semi-domesticated bovine species found in the northeastern region of India, particularly in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. It is considered an endemic species because it is not found in any other part of the world.
Other options mentioned are not endemic species:
- Asiatic elephant: Asiatic elephants are found in various countries across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. They are not restricted to a specific geographic region and are not endemic to a particular area.
- Gangetic dolphin: Gangetic dolphins, also known as the Ganges river dolphins, are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. While they have a limited distribution range, they are not restricted to a single region and can be found in other parts of the world.
- Asiatic cheetah: Asiatic cheetahs are critically endangered and are currently found only in Iran. While their population is limited and restricted to a specific country, they are not considered endemic as they were historically found in other parts of Asia as well.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: Mithun as it is the example of an endemic species.