UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 78
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Dams, accidental net entanglement and agricultural pollutants threaten Ganges River Dolphins. Crocodile population growth is not a recognised primary driver in the supplied key.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Barrages fragment river habitats and alter flows used by dolphins.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - An increase in crocodiles is not an established principal cause of the documented dolphin decline.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Dolphins may drown after accidental capture in fishing nets.
Statement/Item 4: Correct - Agricultural runoff can contaminate river habitats and prey.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/items 3, 4.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/items 1, 4.
C: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.