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. Here is the complete answer to the question along with its explanation and additional information.
Question: 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.
(This question was previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2012 Prelims)
Answer:
The correct answer is: (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.
📌📌📌 Explanation:
- (a) This statement is correct. Oryx, specifically the Arabian oryx, is adapted to live in hot and arid desert environments, while Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is adapted to live in the steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains in regions like the Tibetan Plateau.
- (b) While both Oryx and Chiru have been threatened by poaching for various reasons, including their antlers and musk, this statement does not specifically distinguish between the two species.
- (c) This statement is incorrect. Oryx is found in various regions, including parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, not just in western India. Chiru, on the other hand, is not limited to just northeast India; it primarily inhabits the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas.
So, statement (a) is the correct one that highlights the key difference in their habitat adaptations.
🏅🏅🏅 Additional Information:
Oryx (Desert Antelope):
- Habitat: Oryx inhabits deserts and dry plains in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Feeding Behavior: Classified as coarse grazers, they feed on grasses and energetically dig for water-storing roots and tubers.
- Water Consumption: Can go without drinking except under harsh conditions but drinks regularly where water is available.
- Social Organization: Oryxes exhibit an unusual social organization adapted to a nomadic existence in desert conditions.
- Population Density: Low population density discourages the dispersal of adolescent males.
Chiru (Tibetan Antelope):
- Habitat: Chiru resides in the high alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau, adapted to cold and semi-desert areas.
- Unique Status: The chiru is the only genus of large mammals endemic to the Tibetan Plateau.
- Evolutionary Lineage: Despite its antelope-like appearance, chiru is not related to antelopes or gazelles but represents a distinct evolutionary lineage.
- Population Decline: Once abundant in the Tibetan Plateau, chiru now survives only in the extreme climate of the region.
- Poaching: Chiru is poached for its musk, used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Oryx | Chiru |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Hot and arid areas | Steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains |
| Poaching Purpose | Antlers | Musk |
| Poaching Impact | Significant threat for antlers | Significant threat for musk |
| Distribution | Africa and the Arabian Peninsula | Tibetan Plateau and surrounding high-elevation alpine steppes |
Question: Consider the following- (1) Black-necked crane, (2) Cheetah, (3) Flying squirrel, (4) Snow leopard. Which of the above are naturally found in India? – ANSWER
