[Solved] Consider the following statements: Statement-I Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q82. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I

Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Statement-II

Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement- is Correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-II is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: 3

Marsupials

· A marsupial is a mammal that belongs to the infraclass Metatheria, which is sometimes called Marsupialia.

· There are more than 250 marsupial species.

· Marsupials are characterized by premature birth and continued development of the newborn while attached to the nipples on the mother’s lower belly. (pouched mammals)

· Examples – Kangaroos, koalas, etc.

· Marsupials are native to Australia.

· The Americas also have a presence of marsupials, with opossums being the only marsupial family found in North and South America.

· Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Egg Laying Mammals

· Only two kinds of egg-laying mammals are left on the planet today—the duck-billed platypus and the echidna, or spiny anteater.

· These “monotremes” once dominated Australia, until their pouch-bearing cousins, the marsupials, invaded the land down under 71 million to 54 million years ago and swept them away.