UPSC CSE Prelims
Endemic and Endangered Species Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Endemic and Endangered Species with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Consider the following:
- Star tortoise
- Monitor lizard
- Pygmy Hog
- Spider monkey
Which of the above are found in India?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Star Tortoise – Found in India: Native to dry scrub forests of south and west India, listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List.
✅ Monitor Lizard – Found in India: Four species (Bengal Monitor, Water Monitor, Desert Monitor, Yellow Monitor) protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
✅ Pygmy Hog – Found in India: World's smallest and rarest wild pig, now restricted to Manas National Park, Assam, listed as Critically Endangered.
❌ Spider Monkey – Not Found in India: New World monkey native to Central and South America (southern Mexico to Brazil), absent from Indian wildlife.
In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Lion-tailed macaque is found in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats forests, particularly in Anaimalai Hills and surrounding evergreen regions.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Kerala hosts significant populations in Silent Valley National Park and other Western Ghats rainforests.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Karnataka's Western Ghats regions including Kudremukh and Sirsi-Honnavara ranges form part of the natural habitat.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Andhra Pradesh lies outside the Western Ghats endemic zone; the species is not found naturally in this state.
What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Oryx is a genus of four large antelope species adapted to hot and arid areas of Africa and Arabia, whereas Chiru (Tibetan antelope) is adapted to steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains on the Tibetan Plateau.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Oryx has horns (not antlers) but is not primarily poached for them; Chiru is poached for its fine underfur (shahtoosh), not musk.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Oryx does not exist in western India naturally (found in Africa/Arabia); Chiru is found in Ladakh and high-altitude regions, not north-east India.
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Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
Detailed Explanation:
Great Indian Bustard is Critically Endangered (IUCN), found in Rajasthan and Gujarat; Musk Deer is Endangered, hunted for musk pods in Himalayas; Red Panda is Endangered, native to eastern Himalayas; Asiatic Wild Ass (Khur) is Near Threatened (IUCN) but Schedule I species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they include Least Concern species: Cheetal, Blue Bull (Nilgai), Rhesus Monkey, and Hanuman Langur. Additionally, Saras Crane and Swamp Deer are Vulnerable, not Endangered.
Showing 16 to 19 of 19 questions
Related Topics in Environment & Ecology
Keystone and Flagship Species
Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity Hotspots
Threats to Biodiversity
Levels of Biodiversity
Invasive species & their impact
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Common questions about Endemic and Endangered Species in UPSC CSE PRELIMS