UPSC Prelims 2009 Q132: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an
- (a) Amphibian
- (b) Bony fish
- (c) Shark
- (d) Mammal
Answer: (d) Mammal
Explanation
What kind of animal the dugong is
This vulnerable marine species, found in coastal waters, is often mistaken for a fish.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Amphibian | Incorrect | Dugongs are not amphibians |
| (b) Bony fish | Incorrect | Despite living entirely in water, dugongs are not fish |
| (c) Shark | Incorrect | Not related to sharks at all |
| (d) Mammal | Correct | The dugong is a marine mammal (related to manatees), breathing air and nursing its young, despite its fully aquatic lifestyle |
Dugong facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Classification | Mammal (marine mammal) |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable to extinction |
| Relatives | Manatees |
Answer: (d) Mammal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The dugong is not an amphibian.
- (b) Incorrect. Despite living in water, the dugong is not a fish.
- (c) Incorrect. The dugong has no relation to sharks.
- (d) CORRECT. The dugong is a marine mammal, related to manatees.
Key point
The dugong, despite being fully aquatic, is a MAMMAL (related to manatees), not a fish, shark, or amphibian.
Remember
The dugong is a mammal, vulnerable to extinction.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a fully aquatic animal must be a fish, missing that mammals can also be fully marine.
- Confusing the dugong with sharks or other marine creatures.
- Not knowing the dugong's close relation to manatees.
Exam tip
Dugong = a marine MAMMAL (like manatees), not a fish — a classic 'fully aquatic but still a mammal' exam trap.
Sources
- International Union for Conservation of Nature — IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Dugong dugon (Vulnerable)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — dugong