2016 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 22: Environment and Ecology
In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?
aSand deserts of northwest India
bHigher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
cSalt marshes of western Gujarat
dWestern Ghats
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The Great Indian Hornbill is a large bird of tropical evergreen forest, found in the Western Ghats and also in the Himalayan foothills and the north-east. It nests in cavities of tall old trees and eats mainly fruit, so it needs mature rainforest. Deserts, the high Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir and salt marshes lack the tall fruiting trees it depends on.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Sand deserts lack the tall forest trees it needs.
- (b) The high Himalayas of J&K are too cold and open for it.
- (c) Salt marshes of Gujarat have no forest habitat.
- (d) Right: the Western Ghats hold its evergreen forest habitat.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.