UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 26: Geography
Which one amongst the following has the largest livestock population in the world?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
India has the largest livestock population in the world when cattle and buffaloes are counted together, and it holds the bulk of the world's buffaloes. Brazil has a very large cattle herd and China leads in pigs, but neither matches India's combined cattle and buffalo numbers. India's livestock supports dairy, draught power and rural incomes, and it is the world's largest milk producer.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Brazil has a very large cattle herd but fewer cattle and buffaloes together than India.
- (b) China leads in pigs, but India's cattle and buffaloes give it the larger bovine herd.
- (c) India has the largest cattle and buffalo population.
- (d) The USA has a large herd but far below India's cattle and buffalo total.
Worth knowing: Rankings change with which animals are counted; the answer follows India's lead in cattle and buffaloes together.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.