With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:1.The leader of an elephant group is a female.2.The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.3.An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.4.Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only

B 2 and 4 only

C 3 only

D 1, 3 and 4 only

Correct answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

A
1 and 2 only
1 and 2 only. Herds are matriarchal; gestation can reach about 22 months. Calving is not capped at 40 as a hard only; Kerala is not the top State (Karnataka is).
B
2 and 4 only
2 and 4 only. Kerala population claim fails.
C
3 only
3 only. The false age cap.
D
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only. Keeps two misses.

Summary. Official key is (a) 1 and 2 only. Asian elephant groups are led by a female; pregnancy can last up to about 22 months. They can calve beyond forty, and the largest wild population among States is Karnataka, not Kerala.

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