Part of: Ladakh Gk set 9

The yak, shaggy-horned wild ox and the Tibetan antelope are found in which one of the following regions?

Category: Ladakh Gk

Hint: Consider the high-altitude regions of the Indian Himalayas.

Correct Answer: C) Ladakh

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question asks about the geographical distribution of the yak, a shaggy-horned wild ox, and the Tibetan antelope, which are both adapted to high-altitude environments. These animals are found in regions with specific climatic and ecological conditions that support their survival.

Ladakh, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a high-altitude region with a cold climate. The average elevation in Ladakh ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest inhabited regions in the world. The harsh, cold, and dry environment of Ladakh is well-suited for the survival of yaks and Tibetan antelopes. Yaks are particularly well-adapted to high-altitude environments, with thick fur to protect against the cold and a large lung capacity to cope with the thin air at high elevations. Tibetan antelopes, also known as chiru, are similarly adapted to the cold and high-altitude conditions of the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding regions, including Ladakh.

Other options such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, while also mountainous regions in the Indian Himalayas, do not have the specific high-altitude and cold conditions required for the survival of yaks and Tibetan antelopes. These states are generally at lower elevations and have a more temperate climate, which is not suitable for these high-altitude animals. Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India, has diverse ecosystems but is not known for the presence of yaks and Tibetan antelopes, as these animals are more commonly found in the higher and colder regions of the western Himalayas.

Therefore, the correct answer is Ladakh, as it is the region that provides the necessary high-altitude and cold environment for the survival of yaks and Tibetan antelopes.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in the Indian Himalayas, but it does not have the specific high-altitude environment required for yaks and Tibetan antelopes. These animals are more commonly found in regions with higher elevations and colder climates.
  • Option B: Uttarakhand is another Himalayan state, but it is not known for the presence of yaks and Tibetan antelopes. These animals are more adapted to the higher and colder regions of the Himalayas, such as those found in Ladakh.
  • Option C: Ladakh is the correct answer because it is a high-altitude region with a cold climate, which is suitable for the survival of yaks and Tibetan antelopes. These animals are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Ladakh region.
  • Option D: Arunachal Pradesh is a northeastern state with diverse ecosystems, but it is not known for the presence of yaks and Tibetan antelopes. These animals are more commonly found in the higher and colder regions of the western Himalayas, such as Ladakh.

Mnemonic: Yaks and antelopes in Ladakh, high and cold.

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