UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 25

Correct answer: Option C. The Gangetic dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal. It is a freshwater cetacean associated with the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems and is an important indicator of riverine ecosystem health. Saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley turtles and gharials are important aquatic or coastal fauna but are not designated as India’s national aquatic animal. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Saltwater crocodile” 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: “Olive ridley turtle” 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 C: “Gangetic dolphin” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option D: “Gharial” 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.