UPSC Prelims 2009 Q142: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
Consider the following names :
1. Ike
2. Kate
3. Gustav
Which of the above are the names of hurricanes that had occurred very recently ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Which of these are recent hurricane names
Among these three names, we need to identify which correspond to actual recent Atlantic hurricanes.
| Name | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ike | Correct | Hurricane Ike was a major, destructive 2008 Atlantic hurricane |
| 2. Kate | Incorrect | 'Kate' does not correspond to a notable recent major hurricane in this period |
| 3. Gustav | Correct | Hurricane Gustav was also a significant 2008 Atlantic hurricane |
Recent hurricane facts (2008 season):
| Hurricane | Status |
|---|---|
| Ike | Major 2008 hurricane |
| Gustav | Major 2008 hurricane |
| Kate | Not a notable recent major hurricane |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Name 2 (Kate) is not a notable recent hurricane, so '1 and 2 only' wrongly includes it.
- (b) Incorrect. Name 1 (Ike) is also a genuine recent hurricane, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (c) CORRECT. Ike and Gustav were both significant 2008 Atlantic hurricanes; 'Kate' does not correspond to a notable one.
- (d) Incorrect. Name 2 (Kate) is not a notable hurricane, so 'all three' cannot be correct.
Key point
Hurricanes Ike and Gustav were both significant 2008 Atlantic storms — 'Kate' does not correspond to a notable recent major hurricane.
Remember
Ike and Gustav were recent (2008) hurricanes; Kate was not.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all three listed names must be genuine recent hurricanes without checking each individually.
- Not knowing the specific 2008 Atlantic hurricane season's major storm names.
- Confusing a plausible-sounding name ('Kate') with an actual significant storm.
Exam tip
2008 Atlantic hurricane season's major storms: Ike and Gustav were genuine; 'Kate' was not a notable one.
Sources
- National Hurricane Center (NOAA) — 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Tropical Cyclone Reports (Hurricanes Gustav and Ike)
- World Meteorological Organization — Tropical cyclone names: Atlantic basin