11. Consider the following animals:
- Tiger
- Pangolin
- Javan Rhinoceros
- Elephant
Which of the above is / are critically endangered species as per IUCN?
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their conservation status. The Pangolin and the Rhinoceros are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Specific species like the Sunda pangolin and the Javan Rhinoceros are often highlighted as facing high risks of extinction. Conservation efforts are critical to their survival, as both species face threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat degradation.
12. Which of the following animals was domesticated first by humans?
[A] Sheep
[B] Cattle
[C] Goats
[D] Dogs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dogs]
Notes:
Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, with evidence suggesting this occurred over 15,000 years ago. They were likely domesticated from wolves. This relationship provided humans with companionship and assistance in hunting. Other domesticated animals, like sheep and cattle, followed later in human history.
13. Regarding the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, consider the following statements:
- The Neolithic Revolution marked the beginning of agriculture and permanent settlements.
- The Fertile Crescent is often considered the birthplace of agriculture.
- Domestication of animals began with the hunting of wild species.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- The Neolithic Revolution marked the beginning of agriculture and permanent settlements: Correct, as it initiated changes in human lifestyle and land use.
- The Fertile Crescent is often considered the birthplace of agriculture: Correct, it includes regions of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan.
- Domestication of animals began with the hunting of wild species: Correct, early domestication involved selective hunting and breeding of wild ancestors.
Thus, all statements are correct.
14. Which of the following is/are correct statements about viral diseases?
- Mpox causes fever and rash similar to smallpox but is less severe.
- Lassa Fever is prevalent in East Africa.
- Nipah Virus Infection can cause severe respiratory and neurological issues.
- Rift Valley Fever is spread by mosquitoes and affects both animals and humans.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 3, & 4
[C] 2, 3, & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3, & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 3, & 4]
Notes:
Mpox indeed causes a fever and rash similar to smallpox but less severe. Nipah Virus Infection is known to cause severe respiratory and neurological problems. Rift Valley Fever is spread by mosquitoes and affects both animals and humans. However, Lassa Fever is prevalent in West Africa, not East Africa, making the second statement incorrect.
15. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which was seen in the news, primarily affect which animals?
[A] Deer, elk, and moose
[B] Cattle and sheep
[C] Pigs and Wolves
[D] Dogs and cats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Deer, elk, and moose]
Notes:
New York State authorities confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, highlighting its impact on deer, elk, and moose. CWD is a fatal neurological disease caused by prions that damage brain tissue in cervids. It leads to severe symptoms like weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, and eventually death. CWD spreads through bodily fluids and contaminated environments, but there is no evidence of it infecting humans. Symptoms can take up to 16 months to appear, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment available.
16. Recently, the Bihar government has decided to cull which animals to protect farmers from crop damage?
[A] Nilgai and Wild Boars
[B] Monkeys
[C] Elephants
[D] Wild cats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nilgai and Wild Boars]
Notes:
The Bihar government has decided to cull Nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars in five districts to protect farmers from crop damage. This initiative will begin in five districts: East Champaran, Vaishali, Buxar, Siwan, and Samastipur. The decision follows extensive discussions with officials and aims to alleviate the burden on farmers, who face losses due to these animals. The culling will adhere to established regulations, with the Agriculture Department covering associated costs.
17. Recently, which country became the first in the world to start offering preemptive bird flu vaccinations to certain workers exposed to animals?
[A] Finland
[B] Poland
[C] New Zealand
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Finland]
Notes:
Finland is the first country to offer preemptive bird flu vaccinations to specific workers exposed to animals. Vaccines will target workers at fur and poultry farms, lab technicians, veterinarians, and those in bird sanctuaries and animal by-product plants, aged 18 and over. Finland secured vaccines for 10,000 people through an EU procurement of 40 million doses from CSL Seqirus. Vaccinations start next week, following past bird flu outbreaks in fur farms.
18. Which type of ecosystem is associated with the recent discovery of fascinating animals like transparent sea cucumbers and pink sea pigs?
[A] Deserts
[B] Abyssal Plains
[C] Kelp forests
[D] Montane forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Abyssal Plains]
Notes:
During a recent deep-sea expedition to the Abyssal Plains in the Pacific Ocean, transparent sea cucumbers, pink sea pigs, and bowl-shaped sponges were discovered. Abyssal plains are flat ocean floor regions, usually at the base of continental rises, found mostly in the Atlantic Ocean. They cover 40% of Earth’s ocean floor, occur at depths over 6,500 feet, and are composed of basalt covered by various sediments. The Sohm plain is the largest.
19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that bird flu has caused the death of which animals in Poland?
[A] Cats
[B] Dogs
[C] Hyena
[D] Rats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cats]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that bird flu has caused the death of numerous cats in Poland.
This marks the first instance of a significant number of infected cats across a wide geographic region within a country.
20. In 2022, the maximum new discoveries of animals and plants were recorded from which state/UT?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Goa
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
India added 664 animal species to its faunal database in the year 2022. These comprise 467 new species and 197 new records species found in India for the first time.
The country also added 339 new plant taxa – 186 taxa that are new to science and 153 taxa as new distributional records from the country in 2022. In 2022, the maximum new discoveries of animals and plants were from Kerala.
