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UPSC 2012: What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
(a)Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
(b)Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(c)Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
The Oryx (such as the Arabian Oryx) is adapted to hot and arid desert environments in the Middle East and Africa, with physiological adaptations to conserve water and withstand extreme heat. The Chiru (Tibetan Antelope or Pantholops hodgsonii) is adapted to the cold, high-altitude steppes and semi-desert regions of the Tibetan Plateau at elevations above 3,500 metres. The Chiru is poached primarily for its fine underfur (shahtoosh wool), not musk, and neither exists in India in the described locations. Hence, option (a) is correct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2012 Environment & Ecology question?▼
The correct answer is option (a): Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Biodiversity & Conservation question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2012, GS Paper 1, as Question 95. It falls under Environment & Ecology > Biodiversity & Conservation.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Biodiversity & Conservation?▼
UPSC has asked 45 questions from Biodiversity & Conservation (under Environment & Ecology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.