UPSC Prelims 2009 Q150: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Environment & Ecology

The Panda belongs to the same family as that of

Answer: (a) Bear

Explanation

Which family the Panda belongs to

This question tests knowledge of the (giant) panda's actual taxonomic classification, often a subject of scientific debate historically.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Bear	Correct	The Giant Panda is classified within the Ursidae (bear) family, based on genetic and morphological evidence
(b) Cat	Incorrect	Not the panda's taxonomic family
(c) Dog	Incorrect	Not the panda's taxonomic family
(d) Rabbit	Incorrect	Not the panda's taxonomic family

Panda classification facts:

Point	Detail
Family	Ursidae (bear family)
Historical debate	Pandas were once debated between bear and raccoon families, but genetic studies confirmed the bear family

Answer: (a) Bear.

(a) CORRECT. The Panda belongs to the Ursidae (bear) family.
(b) Incorrect. The cat family is not the panda's classification.
(c) Incorrect. The dog family is also not the panda's classification.
(d) Incorrect. The rabbit family is also not the panda's classification.

The Giant Panda belongs to the Ursidae (BEAR) family, confirmed by genetic studies after historical taxonomic debate.

The Panda belongs to the same family as the Bear (Ursidae).

Not knowing the historical taxonomic debate over whether pandas belong to the bear or raccoon family.
Assuming the panda's distinctive appearance places it in an unrelated family (cat, dog, rabbit).
Missing the genetic evidence that ultimately confirmed its bear-family classification.

Giant Panda = Ursidae (bear family), confirmed by genetic studies after historical debate with the raccoon family.

Encyclopaedia Britannica — giant panda
International Union for Conservation of Nature — IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Ailuropoda melanoleuca