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UPSC Prelims 2002 · Environment · Species Watch
Match List-I (Indian wildlife species) with List-II (Scientific name): A. Asiatic Wild Ass · B. Barasingha · C. Chinkara · D. Nilgai — 1. Boselaphus tragocamelus · 2. Cervus duvauceli · 3. Equus hemionus · 4. Gazella gazella
- (a) A-2 B-3 C-1 D-4
- (b) A-3 B-2 C-4 D-1
- (c) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
- (d) A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) A-3 B-2 C-4 D-1
Wild ass = Equus (horse family) · barasingha = Cervus (deer) · chinkara = Gazella · nilgai = Boselaphus.
The idea
A scientific name has two parts: the first is the genus (the wider group), the second the species. Related animals share a genus. So one known genus can unlock the whole match.
Equus = the horse genus (horse, zebra, ass) → wild ass → Cervus = deer → barasingha → Gazella = gazelle → chinkara → Boselaphus → nilgai
Why the others are wrong
(a) Gives the wild ass a deer’s name.
(c) Gives the wild ass a deer’s name.
(d) Swaps chinkara and nilgai.
The trap
The genus names give it away: Equus is only for horses and asses.
Also know
This two-name system was given by Carl Linnaeus. The nilgai (“blue cow”) is the largest antelope of Asia. The chinkara is the State animal of Rajasthan. The blackbuck is Antilope cervicapra.
🔒 Equus hemionus (khur) · Rucervus duvaucelii (barasingha) · Gazella bennettii (chinkara) · Boselaphus (nilgai).