Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):1.It is an epiphytic orchid.2.The species is endemic to North-east India.3.It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 only

   1 only: This claims that only statement 1 is correct while excluding statement 3. It is incorrect because statement 3 is also correct.

2. B

   1 and 3

   1 and 3. Statement 1 is correct as Rhynchostylis retusa is an epiphytic orchid that grows on other plants for physical support without being parasitic. Statement 3 is correct because it is designated as the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Statement 2 is incorrect because the species is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China, rather than being strictly endemic to North-east India.

3. C

   2 and 3

   2 and 3: This claims that statements 2 and 3 are correct. It is incorrect because statement 2 is wrong since the species is not endemic solely to North-east India.

4. D

   3 only

   3 only: This claims that only statement 3 is correct while excluding statement 1. It is incorrect because statement 1 is also correct.

Summary. Official key is (b). Rhynchostylis retusa is an epiphytic orchid and serves as the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, making statements 1 and 3 correct, whereas statement 2 fails due to its broader geographical distribution outside North-east India.