UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 92: Environment and Ecology

Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

aGreat Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

bKashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

cSnow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

dLion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass is the group in which all four were listed as endangered in the classification in use when this was asked. The other groups mix in common species of little concern, such as Cheetal, Blue Bull (nilgai), Rhesus Monkey and Hanuman Langur.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: all four animals were listed as endangered.
(b) Wrong: Cheetal and Blue Bull are common, not endangered.
(c) Wrong: Rhesus Monkey is common and not endangered.
(d) Wrong: Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal are common species.

Worth knowing: IUCN categories have been revised since; for example the Asiatic Wild Ass is now rated Near Threatened, so the group no longer fits as neatly.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.