UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 138: Environment and Ecology
The sea coast of which one of the following states has become famous as a nesting place for the giant Olive Ridley turtles from South America?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Olive Ridley turtles come in their lakhs to nest on the coast of Orissa (Odisha), at Gahirmatha, the Devi mouth and Rushikulya, in mass nestings called arribadas. The stem is loose, since Olive Ridleys are among the smallest sea turtles and range across tropical oceans, not from South America alone. The nesting coast that the question wants is Orissa.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Goa has only small nesting beaches.
- (b) Gujarat is not known for mass Olive Ridley nesting.
- (c) Right: Orissa, with the mass nesting at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya.
- (d) Tamil Nadu has smaller nesting, not the mass arribadas of Orissa.
Worth knowing: The stem is loose: Olive Ridleys are among the smallest sea turtles and range across tropical oceans, but Orissa (now Odisha) is the intended nesting coast.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.