2009 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies

Question 132: Environment and Ecology

The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an

aAmphibian
bBony fish
cShark
dMammal

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The dugong is a marine mammal, a herbivore related to the manatee, nicknamed the sea cow. It grazes on seagrass in warm coastal waters, such as the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and is threatened by loss of seagrass beds. It breathes air and suckles its young, so it is not a fish.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Amphibians live on land and in fresh water.
  • (b) A bony fish breathes with gills; the dugong breathes air.
  • (c) A shark is a cartilaginous fish.
  • (d) Right: the dugong is a mammal.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.