Consider the following statements : 1. Statement-I : Marsupials are not naturally found in India. 2. 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?

The correct option is (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. Explanation Marsupials are a distinct infraclass of mammals characterized by giving birth to relatively undeveloped young, which typically continue their development in a pouch (marsupium). Their distribution is a classic example of biogeographical separation. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement-I is Correct: Marsupials are naturally distributed primarily in Australasia (Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands) and the Americas (South and Central America, with the Virginia Opossum in North America). They are not naturally found in India. The Indian subcontinent is dominated by placental mammals. - Statement-II is Incorrect: Marsupials are not restricted to montane grasslands. They have adapted to a wide range of habitats including deserts, dry scrublands, tropical rainforests, and eucalyptus forests. Furthermore, the condition of "no predators" is factually incorrect; marsupials coexist with various natural predators such as birds of prey, reptiles, and carnivorous mammals (e.g., Dingoes in Australia). Key Takeaway: Marsupials are native to the Australian and American continents and occupy diverse ecological niches, not limited to specific predator-free zones or montane grasslands.

IAS 2023 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2023mcqmedium

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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

Explanation

Marsupials are a distinct infraclass of mammals characterized by giving birth to relatively undeveloped young, which typically continue their development in a pouch (marsupium). Their distribution is a classic example of biogeographical separation.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement-I is Correct: Marsupials are naturally distributed primarily in Australasia (Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands) and the Americas (South and Central America, with the Virginia Opossum in North America). They are not naturally found in India. The Indian subcontinent is dominated by placental mammals.
Statement-II is Incorrect: Marsupials are not restricted to montane grasslands. They have adapted to a wide range of habitats including deserts, dry scrublands, tropical rainforests, and eucalyptus forests. Furthermore, the condition of "no predators" is factually incorrect; marsupials coexist with various natural predators such as birds of prey, reptiles, and carnivorous mammals (e.g., Dingoes in Australia).

Key Takeaway: Marsupials are native to the Australian and American continents and occupy diverse ecological niches, not limited to specific predator-free zones or montane grasslands.

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