2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 12: Environment and Ecology

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IMarsupials are not naturally found in India.
  2. Statement-IIMarsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas and opossums are native to Australasia and the Americas and are not naturally found in India, so Statement I is correct. Statement II is false: marsupials live in rainforests, deserts, scrub, woodland and mountain forests, and many share their habitat with predators. They are not confined to montane grasslands without predators; their absence from India reflects biogeographic history, not habitat.

  • I. No marsupials occur naturally in India.
  • II. Marsupials thrive in many habitats, often alongside predators.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: No marsupials occur naturally in India.

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) Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
  • (b) Statement II is false, so 'both correct' fails.
  • (c) Correct: Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
  • (d) Statement I is true, so this reverses the position.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.