UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 4: Environment and Ecology
From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu lies where the Eastern Ghats meet the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri landscape, so it works as an ecological corridor along which elephants, tigers and other wildlife move between the two ranges. Nallamala and Seshachalam are in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, while Nagarhole is in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, so none of them links the two ranges. Remember: Sathyamangalam is the link between the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: it sits where the two ranges meet and works as a corridor between them.
- (b) Wrong: Nallamala forest is part of the Eastern Ghats only.
- (c) Wrong: Nagarhole is a Western Ghats park in Karnataka.
- (d) Wrong: Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.