What is the difference between the. antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
A
Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
B
Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
C
Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
D
None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Statement (A) correctly describes the habitat difference between the two antelopes. The Oryx genus includes species adapted to survive in extremely hot and arid areas, such as the deserts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
2. The Chiru, also known as the Tibetan Antelope, is specifically adapted to live in the cold, high-altitude steppes and semi-desert areas of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountains.
3. Statement (B) is incorrect. While poaching is a threat to both, the Chiru is primarily poached for its underfur, which is used to make luxurious Shahtoosh shawls, not for musk (musk comes from musk deer). Oryx might be hunted for horns (antlers are typically branched and shed, Oryx have horns) or meat, but the comparison made is inaccurate.
4. Statement (C) is incorrect. Oryx are not found naturally in western India. The Chiru's range includes the Tibetan plateau and parts of Ladakh in India, which is in the north/north-west, not north-east India.
5. Therefore, the primary and correct difference highlighted is their habitat adaptation as stated in (A).