All questions of Animal Diversity Of India for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Migration refers to the regular, recurrent, and cyclical, seasonal movement of birds from one place to another. It is a fascinating behavior observed in many bird species across the world. Let's analyze each statement to determine which ones are correct.

1. Migration refers to the regular, recurrent, and cyclical, seasonal movement of birds from one place to another.
This statement is correct. Migration is indeed the term used to describe the movement of birds from one area to another in a regular, seasonal pattern. Birds migrate for various reasons, including the search for better breeding grounds, higher food availability, or to escape harsh weather conditions. The migration patterns of different bird species can vary greatly, with some species migrating short distances and others traveling thousands of kilometers.

2. The distance of migration ranged from a short distance to thousands of kilometers.
This statement is also correct. The distance covered during migration can vary significantly depending on the species. Some birds undertake short-distance migrations, traveling only a few hundred kilometers, while others embark on long-distance journeys spanning thousands of kilometers. For example, the Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration, traveling around 70,900 kilometers annually between its breeding grounds in the Arctic and its wintering grounds in the Antarctic.

3. But at the end of the period, birds will eventually return to the original place.
This statement is correct as well. Most migratory bird species exhibit a strong homing instinct, which drives them to return to their original breeding grounds after the period of migration. This behavior ensures that they can reproduce in familiar and suitable habitats. The ability to navigate accurately over vast distances during migration is still not fully understood, but it involves a combination of celestial cues, landmarks, and possibly even the Earth's magnetic field.

In conclusion, all three statements regarding bird migration are correct. Migration is the regular, recurrent, and cyclical movement of birds from one place to another, with distances ranging from short to thousands of kilometers. Despite their extensive travels, birds typically return to their original breeding grounds at the end of the migration period. Bird migration is a remarkable phenomenon that showcases the incredible adaptability and navigational abilities of these avian species.

Habitat: Wetland areas

The Siberian Crane is a migratory bird species that is known for its distinctive white plumage and long, slender neck. It is one of the most endangered crane species in the world. The habitat of the Siberian Crane is primarily wetland areas, including marshes, swamps, and shallow lakes. These wetland areas provide the necessary food and nesting sites for the crane.

Wetlands are important for the Siberian Crane because they offer a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates. These resources are essential for the crane's survival, as they provide the necessary nutrients for its diet. The wetland areas also offer suitable nesting sites, which are usually located in tall grasses or reeds near water bodies.

The Siberian Crane is known for its long-distance migration, which takes place between its breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra and its wintering grounds in warmer regions. During migration, the crane relies on a network of wetland areas along its route to rest and refuel. These wetlands serve as stopover sites, providing the crane with opportunities to rest and feed before continuing its journey.

Located distribution: Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a famous bird sanctuary located in Rajasthan, India. It is known for its rich avian diversity and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Siberian Crane.

Keoladeo National Park provides an ideal habitat for the Siberian Crane during its wintering period. The park is characterized by its wetland areas, which consist of shallow lakes, marshes, and reed beds. These wetlands offer abundant food resources for the crane, including fish, insects, and aquatic plants.

The Siberian Crane is known to migrate to Keoladeo National Park from its breeding grounds in Siberia during the winter months. The park provides the crane with a safe and suitable environment to spend the winter, with ample food resources and suitable nesting sites. The presence of the Siberian Crane in Keoladeo National Park is a testament to the importance of wetland conservation in preserving endangered species.

In conclusion, both statements are correctly matched regarding the Siberian Crane. The crane's habitat is indeed wetland areas, and one of its located distributions is Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan. Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting the survival and migration of the Siberian Crane, and Keoladeo National Park provides a suitable wintering ground for this endangered species.

Overview:
The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is a small wild pig species native to the grasslands and swamps of the Himalayan foothills in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is considered one of the world's most endangered mammals. Let's analyze each statement individually to determine their correctness.

Statement 1: This species constructs a nest throughout the year.
This statement is incorrect. Pygmy Hogs do not construct nests throughout the year. In fact, they do not construct nests at all. Instead, they create small burrows or dens in tall grasses or thick vegetation as shelter and protection from predators. These burrows are used for resting, sleeping, and sheltering their young.

Statement 2: Now, it is restricted to only a single remnant population in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
This statement is correct. The Pygmy Hog is indeed restricted to a single remnant population in the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Assam, India. This sanctuary is one of the last remaining habitats suitable for the survival of the species. The Pygmy Hog Conservation Program, a collaborative effort between various organizations and the Assam Forest Department, has been working towards the recovery and conservation of this population.

Statement 3: Hunting is a threat to the remnant populations.
This statement is correct. Hunting poses a significant threat to the remnant populations of Pygmy Hogs. Historically, the species was hunted extensively for its meat, skin, and as a trophy. The loss of suitable habitat due to agricultural expansion also contributed to the decline in population. However, concerted conservation efforts and strict protection measures have helped reduce hunting pressure and mitigate this threat to some extent.

Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of each statement, we can conclude that statement 1 is incorrect, statement 2 is correct, and statement 3 is correct. Therefore, the correct option is D) All of them.

The correct answer is option 'D', which means all of the statements are correct. Let's analyze each statement in detail:

Statement 1: The Sumatran Rhinoceros is the smallest and most endangered of the five rhinoceros species.
- This statement is correct. The Sumatran Rhinoceros, also known as Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, is indeed the smallest rhinoceros species. It is also considered to be the most critically endangered rhinoceros species, with a population of less than 80 individuals remaining in the wild.

Statement 2: The Sumatran Rhinoceros is now thought to be regionally extinct in India, though it once occurred in the foothills of the Himalayas and north-east India.
- This statement is also correct. Historically, the Sumatran Rhinoceros inhabited various regions, including the foothills of the Himalayas and north-east India. However, due to habitat loss, poaching, and other factors, it is believed to be regionally extinct in India. The last confirmed sighting of the species in India was in the state of Assam in 1949.

Statement 3: The Javan Rhinoceros is also believed to be extinct in India, and only a small number survive in Java and Vietnam.
- This statement is correct as well. The Javan Rhinoceros, also known as Rhinoceros sondaicus, is critically endangered and is believed to be extinct in India. Its population is extremely low, with only a small number surviving in Java, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

In conclusion, all of the given statements are correct. The Sumatran Rhinoceros is the smallest and most endangered of the five rhinoceros species. It is regionally extinct in India, although it once existed in the foothills of the Himalayas and north-east India. Similarly, the Javan Rhinoceros is believed to be extinct in India, and only a small number of individuals survive in Java and Vietnam.