Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3
Explanation
- A
1 and 2
(a) 1 and 2. Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals, but they are not found along the entire Indian coast—only in limited seagrass pockets (Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kachchh, Andaman and Nicobar). Statement 2 is false.
- B
2 only
(b) 2 only. The ‘entire coast’ claim is wrong, so 2 only cannot be the key.
- C
1 and 3
(c) 1 and 3. The dugong (sea cow) eats seagrass, and it is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Those two statements are correct and form the official key.
- D
3 only
(d) 3 only. Schedule I protection is true, but herbivory is also true. 3 only is incomplete.
Summary. Official key is (c) 1 and 3. The dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal and a Schedule I species. It is not distributed along the whole Indian coastline. Statement 2 therefore fails. The keyed pair is diet plus legal protection.
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