Question 16 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Environme nt

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
2. Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Strategy: ### Approach to the Question
*   **Verify Factual Distribution:** Confirm marsupial native distribution, noting their presence in Australia and nearby regions, and absence in India.
*   **Identify Absolute Claims:** Look for extreme or exclusive language in statements, such as 'only in X with no Y'.
*   **Challenge Exclusivity:** Recall or research the diversity of marsupial habitats to counter any overly restrictive claims.
*   **Conclude based on facts:** Eliminate statements containing demonstrably false absolute claims, leading to the correct option.

Key Info: Marsupials are a unique group of mammals characterized by premature birth and continued development of the newborn while attached to nipples on the mother's lower belly, often inside a pouch. They represent one of three extant mammal groups, alongside monotremes and placental mammals, distinguished by their unique reproductive system.

## Distribution and Diversity
*   The largest diversity of marsupials is found in Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, where they are the dominant native mammal group.
*   Examples include kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, and bandicoots.
*   Marsupials also occur in the Americas, with opossums being a notable example.
*   Marsupials are **not native to India** in their natural state. Any mammals with a pouch found in India are typically rare escapees or introduced species in zoos.

## Habitats
Marsupial habitats are highly varied and encompass a broad range of environments, including:
*   Forests
*   Woodlands
*   Shrublands
*   Grasslands (including montane regions)
*   Wetlands
*   Deserts

Their presence is not limited by the absence of predators or exclusively by montane grasslands, as they have adapted to many different ecological niches.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Consider the following statements:

Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?