UPSC CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 9

2015General Studies Paper-IEnvironment & EcologyConservationNational Parksmoderate
Q9

Question

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

Options

A
Bhitarkanika National Park
B
Keibul Lamjao National Park✓ Correct Answer
C
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
D
Sultanpur National Park
AnswerOption B

Explanation

Correct answer: Option B. Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is famous for its floating biomass or phumdis, which form the distinctive habitat of the park and support species such as the Sangai deer. It is located on Loktak Lake and is often described as the world’s only floating national park. The other options are not characterized by this floating-vegetation ecosystem. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Bhitarkanika National Park” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Keibul Lamjao National Park” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “Keoladeo Ghana National Park” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Sultanpur National Park” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.

Question Classification

SubjectEnvironment & Ecology
TopicConservation
SubtopicNational Parks
Question TypeDirect MCQ
Difficultymoderate
VerificationVerified