Explanation
- A
1 only
(a) 1 only. The Asiatic lion’s only natural wild population today is in and around Gir, Gujarat, so statement 1 is true. The Bactrian (double-humped) camel is native across Central Asia, not India only. The greater one-horned rhinoceros is wild in India and Nepal (Kaziranga–Chitwan belt). So only statement 1 stands, and 1 only is the official key.
- B
2 only
(b) 2 only. Double-humped camel is not India-endemic in the wild, so 2 only is not the key.
- C
1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only. Statement 3 fails because the one-horned rhino is also naturally in Nepal, so this pair is not the key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3. Statements 2 and 3 fail the ‘India only’ test, so all-three is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) 1 only. Gir holds the last natural Asiatic lions. Double-humped camels of Nubra are a trans-Himalayan stock of a wider Central Asian species. One-horned rhino ranges into Nepal. Honour the stored letter (a).
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q12 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? -
2019 · Q29 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following pairs: Wildlife Naturally found in 1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River 2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River 3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? -
2016 · Q44 · General Studies · 2 marks
What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below