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UPSC Prelims 1986 · Environment · Species Watch
Which of the following pairs is incorrect?
- (a) Kiwi : Bird
- (b) Alligator : Crocodile
- (c) Bat : Mammal
- (d) Fish : Pisces
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Alligator : Crocodile
This is the incorrect pair: alligators and crocodiles are related but belong to different families.
The idea
Each pair reads “animal : the group it belongs to”. An alligator does not belong to the crocodiles. Both are in the same order, but in separate families, along with a third family for the gharial.
Crocodiles: usually V-shaped snout (mugger: broad, rounded), lower teeth show when the mouth is shut → Alligators and caimans: broad U-shaped snout → Gharial: very long, thin snout
Why the others are wrong
(a) Correct pair — the kiwi is a bird.
(c) Correct pair — bats are mammals.
(d) Correct pair — fish belong to Pisces.
The trap
Alligators and crocodiles look alike, so the pair seems fine.
Also know
India has no alligators; they live in the USA and China. India’s three are the mugger, the saltwater crocodile and the gharial.
🔒 Alligator: broad U-shaped snout (USA, China). Crocodile: usually V-shaped snout (mugger: broad, rounded). India: mugger, saltwater croc, gharial.