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MCQ Practice Test & Solutions: Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India (15 Questions)

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Test Highlights:

  • - Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • - Duration: 20 minutes
  • - Number of Questions: 15

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Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 1

Which of the following species are endemic to India?

  1. Nilgiri tahr
  2. Lion-tailed macaque
  3. Andaman wild pig
  4. Snow leopard

Choose the correct option from the list below.

Detailed Solution: Question 1

Nilgiri tahr, endangered caprine species, endemic to Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu/Kerala. Lion-tailed macaque, endangered Old World monkey, endemic to tropical evergreen rainforests of Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. Andaman wild pig, wild pig subspecies, endemic exclusively to Andaman Islands. Snow leopard found across Central/South Asia (Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), not just India.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 2

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, the recently identified home for cheetahs, is located in which area?

Detailed Solution: Question 2

Madhya Pradesh government developing Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary third cheetah home (Kuno National Park, Gandhi Sagar). Nauradehi plateau Sagar/Damoh districts Bundelkhand, deciduous forest (sal, teak, mahua, bamboo, bel trees), extensive grasslands grazing herbivores, substantial prey base (four antelope categories), wild boar. Twenty-five tigers home since 2018; ~100 crocodiles, Indian wolves, wild dogs, panthers. Option D.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 3

With regard to the Golden Mahseer, evaluate the following statements:

  1. Golden Mahseer are large-bodied freshwater species that are primarily found in fast-flowing rivers.
  2. The Golden Mahseer occupies rivers ranging from the Himalayan foothills to southern India.
  3. The Golden Mahseer is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 3

Mahseer are large freshwater fish from Himalayan and Western Ghats rivers, known as 'tiger among fish', endangered. Golden Mahseer inhabits fast-moving rocky/stony streams, 5°C-25°C temperatures, Himalayan foothills, Indus/Ganga/Brahmaputra basins, south Indian rivers. Adults migrate upstream monsoon to spawning grounds. Golden mahseer (Tor putitora) listed endangered IUCN Red List; WWF-India prioritizes its conservation. All statements correct.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 4

With reference to the Kharai Camels, evaluate the following statements:

  1. Kharai camels constitute a distinct breed predominantly located along Gujarat's coastal region.
  2. They are the only known camels in the world that can swim in seawater.
  3. The breed is listed as a threatened animal by the IUCN.

Which of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 4

Kharai camels are rare dromedary camels known as 'swimming camels' thriving in Kutch's salt marshes, Gujarat. They live in coastal saline ecosystems, having webbed feet and strong digestive systems tolerating salty vegetation. Classified as endangered by IUCN, recognized as genetically distinct by NBAGR. Statements 1 and 2 correct; Statement 3 not.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 5

Consider the following statements about melanistic tigers:

  1. Melanism in tigers results from genetic mutations that cause excessive dark pigmentation.
  2. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is home to such melanistic tigers.
  3. Melanistic tigers are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 5

Melanism tigers genetic condition (pseudo-melanism) caused Taqpep gene mutation, enlarged closely-spaced stripes appearing almost black. Melanistic tigers called black tigers, rare Bengal tiger color variant. Similipal Tiger Reserve (Odisha) globally unique significant pseudo-melanistic tiger population, trait nowhere else wild habitats. All-India Tiger Estimation ~10 melanistic Similipal; additional camera trap sightings. Schedule I Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, highest endangered species protection. Statements 1 and 3 correct.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 6

Which of the following animals are herbivores?

  1. Indian rhinoceros
  2. Indian Pangolin
  3. Gangetic dolphins
  4. Sea cows

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution: Question 6

Indian rhinoceros (greater one-horned rhino) is largest rhino species, having single horn like Javan rhino. Indian rhinos are great swimmers crossing rivers; African rhinos cannot swim. As megaherbivores, integral to habitat health, primarily grazing mostly grass, leaves, branches, fruit, aquatic plants. Ganges river dolphins are important river ecosystem health indicators, declared National Aquatic Animal 2009. Option C correct.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 7

Consider the following statements about the Grandala bird:

  1. It is native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
  2. It is a vocal bird, renowned for its melodious song.
  3. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 7

Grandala native to Himalayan belt with confirmed sightings India (Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, western China. Presence in multiple ecosystems makes transboundary mountain gem. Primarily feeds insects, small invertebrates, catching mid-air or ground picking with precision. Forages flocks during summer displaying aerial acrobatics. Not vocal bird, remains quiet blending mountain stillness. Currently Least Concern (LC) listed.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 8

Examine the following statements:

  1. Similar to Dolphins, Dugongs rise to the surface to take a breath.
  2. In contrast to Dolphins, Dugongs emit breathing sounds that resemble musical notes.
  3. In contrast to Seals, Dugongs never emerge onto land.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 8

Marine mammals include whales, dolphins, seals, dugongs ('sea cows'). Dolphins breathe air via lungs, surface frequently. Dugongs surf water every 15 minutes breathing, like dolphins/whales. Seals/sea lions (pinnipeds) live ocean but come on land; some hold breath two hours, dive 6,500+ feet depths. Unlike seals, sea lions never come on land. All statements 1, 2, 3 correct. Option D.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 9

Assess the following Endemic Species : State pairings:

  1. Narcondam Hornbill : Assam
  2. Pygmy Hog : Tamil Nadu
  3. Bonnet Macaque : Kerala

How many of the listed pairings are correctly matched?

Detailed Solution: Question 9

Narcondam hornbill endemic Indian Narcondam island (Andamans), family Bucerotidae, males/females distinct plumage, smallest home range Asian hornbills. Pygmy hog world's smallest/rarest wild pig, builds nest, indicator species (grassland health), Assam, contiguous Royal Manas National Park Bhutan, biosphere reserve/Project Tiger/heritage site. Bonnet Macaques (Kerala mass sterilization), Old-World monkey, widespread primate. Pairs 1, 2, 3 status.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 10

Observe the following set of animals:

  1. Kangaroo
  2. Pangolin
  3. Koala
  4. Flying Squirrel

How many of the listed animals are marsupials?

Detailed Solution: Question 10

Marsupials are diverse mammals natively found in Australasia, Wallacea, and the Americas. Kangaroos and koalas are classic marsupials; pangolins are placental mammals without pouches. Flying squirrels are placental mammals (order Rodentia) with patagium for gliding, not pouches. Option B is correct.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 11

Consider the following set of animals:

  1. Indian squirrel
  2. Earthworm
  3. Marmot

How many of the above animals predominantly construct their habitat through burrowing behaviour?

Detailed Solution: Question 11

Indian squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) primarily arboreal (tree-dwelling); occasionally digs shallow ground scrapes but main habitat/nesting in tree hollows/leaf-twig dreys high trees—does not predominantly burrow. Earthworms classic burrowing animals, entire lives underground, complex tunnel networks, shelter/predator escape/movement. Marmots (Marmota spp.) large ground squirrels mountainous regions, highly dependent extensive deep burrows survival, hibernation critical. Option 1 not; Options 2, 3 correct. Option B.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 12

Review the following pairings:

  1. Ganges River Dolphin : Relies on echolocation to navigate
  2. Indus River Dolphin : Punjab's State Aquatic Animal
  3. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Unique water-spitting behavior

How many of the above pairings are correctly matched?

Detailed Solution: Question 12

Second Rangewide Estimation of Riverine Dolphins launched under Project Dolphin. Previous survey (2021-23) recorded 6,327 riverine dolphins. New survey includes Irrawaddy dolphins (Sundarbans, Odisha) alongside Gangetic, Indus species. River dolphins functionally blind, rely on echolocation, indicator species for river health.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 13

To which group do the species Tor putitora, Tor khudree, and Tor mussullah belong?

Detailed Solution: Question 13

Tor putitora (Golden/Himalayan Mahseer), Tor khudree (Deccan Mahseer), Tor mussullah (Mussullah/Humpback Mahseer) are distinct Mahseer species, large freshwater game fish known 'tigers of water', prized sports/conservation, inhabiting fast-flowing Himalayan/peninsular Indian rocky-bottom rivers. Tor putitora widespread/abundant Himalayan foothills. Tor khudree primary Peninsular India rivers. Tor mussullah endemic Peninsular India distinctive hump. Option B.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 14

Which of these marine animals are unique to Indian waters?

  1. Olive Ridley Turtle
  2. Dugong
  3. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin
  4. Ganges Shark

Choose the correct option using the code provided below.

Detailed Solution: Question 14

Olive Ridley Turtle most abundant sea turtle worldwide, famous for mass nesting (arribada) in Odisha beaches, found tropical Pacific/Atlantic/Indian Oceans. Dugong found approximately 40 countries spanning Indian/Pacific Oceans; largest populations in northern Australia/Persian Gulf. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin ranges Southern Africa to Western Indochina. Ganges Shark primarily Ganges-Hooghly/Brahmaputra rivers (India/Bangladesh). Option A.

Shankar IAS Test: Animal Diversity Of India - Question 15

Evaluate the following statements about Jerdon's Courser:

  1. It is a nocturnal bird.
  2. It is classified as "Critically Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
  3. Silent Valley National Park is the only natural habitat of Jerdon's Courser in India.

How many of the statements above are correct?

Detailed Solution: Question 15

Jerdon's Courser is a restricted-range endemic nocturnal bird found only in Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, designated Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List. It inhabits sparse scrub forests, known from Sri Lankamalleswara and Sri Penusila Narasimha sanctuaries. Silent Valley National Park is in Western Ghats. Statements 1 and 2 correct; Statement 3 not.

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