UPSC Prelims 2004 Q12: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
Consider the following statements:
1. Toothless mammals such as pangolins are not found in India.
2. Gibbon is the only ape found in India.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Pangolins and gibbons in India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Toothless mammals such as pangolins are not found in India | False: pangolins (Indian and Chinese) are found in India |
| 2. Gibbon is the only ape found in India | True — the hoolock gibbon in the North-East |
Only statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pangolins are found in India.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true.
Key point
Hoolock gibbon: Assam, Arunachal; only ape of India. Pangolin: scaly anteater.
Remember
The hoolock gibbon is the only ape in India.
Common mistakes
- Thinking pangolins live only in Africa.
- Calling a monkey such as the langur an ape.
- Missing the hoolock gibbon in the North-East.
Exam tip
Ape = no tail: gibbon, orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee; only gibbon in India.
Sources
- Wildlife Institute of India — National Wildlife Database: Hoolock gibbon
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — gibbon