Dugong marine mammal characteristics
Question
With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1.
It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- 2.
It is found along the entire coast of India.
- 3.
It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Options
1 and 2
2 only
1 and 3
3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct; dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that feed on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. Statement 2 is incorrect; dugongs are not found along the entire coast of India. They are primarily found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and along the Gujarat coast in limited numbers. They do not occur in Indian waters of the Bay of Bengal extensively. Statement 3 is correct; dugongs are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing them with the highest level of legal protection in India. Schedule I species are strictly protected. > Dugong: Herbivorous ✓, entire coast ✗, Schedule I ✓. Answer: (c).
Question details
Year
2015
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q19
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Marine fauna and conservation
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Environmental Science and Wildlife Protection Act
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