Part of: Kerala Gk set 15

Select the animal that is NOT found in Kerala

Category: Kerala Gk

Hint: Consider the native and non-native species in Kerala.

Correct Answer: C) Alligator

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Kerala, a state in southwestern India, is renowned for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and rich biodiversity. The state is home to a variety of animals, including several species that are native to the region. Understanding the geographical distribution of these animals is crucial for identifying which species are naturally found in Kerala and which are not.

Tigers (Option A) are indeed found in Kerala, particularly in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is a protected area known for its tiger population. The reserve is part of the larger Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a significant habitat for tigers and other wildlife. Tigers are an important part of the ecosystem in Kerala and are protected under Indian wildlife laws.

Honey-suckers (Option B), also known as sunbirds, are small birds that are native to Kerala. They are commonly seen in gardens and forests, feeding on nectar from flowers. These birds are an integral part of the local avian fauna and contribute to the biodiversity of the region.

Elephants (Option D) are another species that are found in Kerala. The state is home to a significant population of Asian elephants, which are often seen in the forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Elephants are an important cultural and ecological symbol in Kerala and are protected under Indian wildlife laws.

However, alligators (Option C) are not naturally found in Kerala. Alligators are primarily found in the Americas, particularly in the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. In India, the similar species found are crocodiles, which are native to the region. The confusion might arise because both alligators and crocodiles belong to the crocodilian family, but they are distinct species with different geographical distributions.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the alligator is the animal that is not found in Kerala. This question tests the knowledge of the geographical distribution of animals and the ability to distinguish between native and non-native species in a specific region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Tigers are found in the forests of Kerala, particularly in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This makes them a native species to the region.
  • Option B: Honey-suckers, also known as sunbirds, are small birds that are native to Kerala and are often seen in gardens and forests. They are not the correct answer.
  • Option C: Alligators are not naturally found in Kerala. They are more commonly found in the Americas, while crocodiles are the similar species found in India. This makes alligators the correct answer as they are not native to Kerala.
  • Option D: Elephants are found in the forests of Kerala, especially in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and other wildlife sanctuaries. They are a native species to the region.

Mnemonic: Tiger, Honey-Sucker, Elephants: T-H-E (The Alligator is the outlier)

Back to Kerala Gk set 15 – Practice all questions