Q1. Which one of the following is the only ape species found in India?
- Langur
- Gibbon
- Orangutan
- Macaque
Correct Option: 2. Gibbon
Explanation: The Hoolock Gibbons are the only apes native to India, found mainly in the northeastern states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. Unlike monkeys, apes like gibbons lack tails and have highly flexible shoulder joints, allowing for brachiation, or swinging from branch to branch. Gibbons are diurnal and arboreal, and are known for their loud, melodious calls used to mark territory. They are highly threatened due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade.
Q2. The critically endangered Andaman White-toothed Shrew is found in which region?
- Mount Harriet
- Car Nicobar
- Great Nicobar
- Ritchie’s Archipelago
Correct Option: 1. Mount Harriet
Explanation: The Andaman White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura andamanensis) is a small insectivorous mammal found only in Mount Harriet National Park, located in the South Andaman Island. This species lives in leaf litter, under logs, and in rock crevices, preferring cool and moist microhabitats. It is listed as critically endangered due to its limited range and ongoing threats like habitat destruction, climate change, and natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis that frequently affect the islands.
Q3. Which of the following diseases affects deer, cats, primates, and elephants, and is caused by Mycobacterium spp?
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Anthrax
- Rinderpest
Correct Option: 2. Tuberculosis
Explanation: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis, and is a zoonotic disease that can affect a variety of wild animals including deer, felines (like tigers and leopards), elephants, and primates. Infected animals may not show symptoms for years, but can still spread the disease. TB poses a serious threat not just to wildlife conservation, but also to human health, especially in areas where humans and wildlife interact closely. Monitoring and managing TB in wildlife populations is vital to prevent cross-species transmission.
Q4. Which of the following birds was once thought extinct but rediscovered in 1986?
- Himalayan Quail
- Jerdon’s Courser
- Spoon-billed Sandpiper
- White-bellied Heron
Correct Option: 2. Jerdon’s Courser
Explanation: The Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) is a critically endangered nocturnal bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1986 near Kadapa. This elusive bird lives in scrub jungle and open forest habitats, which are under severe threat from development projects, agriculture, and quarrying. Its rediscovery prompted efforts to protect its habitat, especially in the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite its protection status, sightings remain extremely rare.
Q5. Which of the following is a natural cause of species extinction?
- Habitat loss due to farming
- Introduction of invasive species
- Competitive displacement by advanced plant forms
- Poaching
Correct Option: 3. Competitive displacement by advanced plant forms
Explanation: Natural extinction can occur due to evolutionary and ecological processes, such as competitive displacement. Over time, new plant or animal species may evolve with traits that make them more efficient at utilizing resources. These advanced species can outcompete older, less adapted forms, eventually leading to their extinction. Unlike artificial (human-induced) causes such as poaching, habitat loss, or invasive species introduction, natural extinctions have occurred for millions of years and are part of evolutionary history. However, the current extinction rate is much higher and mostly due to human activities.