UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 19: Environment and Ecology
With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- 2.It is found along the entire coast of India.
- 3.It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal that feeds on seagrass. In India it is found in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kachchh and the Andaman and Nicobar waters, not along the entire coast, so statement 2 is wrong. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, so statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- 1. Dugongs graze on seagrass and are herbivorous.
- 2. Dugongs are limited to patches such as the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Kachchh and the Andamans.
- 3. The dugong is on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Dugongs graze on seagrass and are herbivorous.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Dugongs are limited to patches such as the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Kachchh and the Andamans.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the dugong is not found along the entire Indian coast.
- (b) Wrong: statement 2 is false, and statements 1 and 3 are true.
- (c) Correct: it is a herbivorous marine mammal and is on Schedule I of the Wildlife Act.
- (d) Incomplete: statement 1 is also true, as it feeds on seagrass.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.