UPSC Prelims 2012 Q95: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
- (a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi - desert areas of cold high mountains
- (b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
- (c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north - east India only
- (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
Answer: (a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi - desert areas of cold high mountains
Explanation
Oryx and Chiru
| Point | Oryx | Chiru |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Hot, arid lands of Africa and Arabia | Cold, high plateau of Tibet; reaches Ladakh |
| Other name | Gemsbok; Arabian oryx | Tibetan antelope |
| Hunted for | Meat, hide and horns | Shahtoosh wool, the finest in the world |
| Head gear | Long straight horns | Slender horns (males) |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Oryx in hot and arid areas; Chiru in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains | Correct | Matches their habitats |
| (b) Oryx poached for antlers; Chiru for musk | Incorrect | Antelopes have horns, not antlers; musk comes from the musk deer |
| (c) Oryx in western India only; Chiru in north-east India only | Incorrect | Oryx is not found in India; Chiru is in Ladakh |
| (d) None of the statements is correct | Incorrect | Statement (a) is right |
Answer: (a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Oryx lives in hot arid areas; Chiru lives in cold high steppes.
- (b) Incorrect. Antelopes have no antlers, and Chiru is poached for wool, not musk.
- (c) Incorrect. Oryx is not found in western India, nor Chiru in the north-east.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement (a) is correct, so 'none' is wrong.
Key point
Oryx: antelope of African and Arabian deserts. Chiru (Tibetan antelope): Tibet and Ladakh, poached for shahtoosh wool. Antelopes have horns; deer have antlers.
Remember
Chiru = shahtoosh, Tibet. Oryx = hot deserts.
Common mistakes
- Confusing horns (permanent, antelopes) with antlers (shed yearly, deer).
- Linking musk to Chiru; musk comes from the musk deer.
- Placing the Oryx in the Thar Desert; it is not an Indian animal.
Exam tip
Antelopes never have antlers. That word alone removes option (b).
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Pantholops hodgsonii (Tibetan Antelope) and Oryx species accounts
- Wildlife Institute of India — ENVIS Centre on Wildlife and Protected Areas