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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2014
Ecology & Ecosystems
Question No. 220Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q220. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. An increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

  1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
  2. An increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
  3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
  4. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2014 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — 1, 3 and 4 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct: Primary threats to Ganges river dolphins include physical barriers like dams and barrages that fragment habitats, accidental entanglement (bycatch) in gillnets, and toxic agrochemical runoff into river systems.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Crocodiles share habitats naturally and their population increase is not a significant ecological driver of river dolphin decline.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014 (Q220)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Ecology & Ecosystems
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — 1, 3 and 4 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2014 Q220

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I Question 220 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2014 Environment and Ecology (Ecology & Ecosystems) question is Option (C): "1, 3 and 4 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2014 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Environment and Ecology" and micro-topic "Ecology & Ecosystems". You can explore all repeated questions from Ecology & Ecosystems in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Ecology & Ecosystems UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Ecology & Ecosystems questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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