Part of: Ladakh Gk set 10

Which of the following region is a native place of the species of Yak (ox) and the Bharal?

Category: Ladakh Gk

Hint: Consider the high-altitude regions of India where Yak and Bharal are commonly found.

Correct Answer: D) Ladakh

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question asks about the native habitat of the Yak (a type of ox) and the Bharal (also known as the Blue Sheep). To understand the correct answer, it is essential to consider the geographical and ecological characteristics of the regions mentioned in the options.

Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, is a high-altitude region characterized by its cold, mountainous terrain. This region is part of the Himalayan range and includes areas with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 meters above sea level. The extreme cold and harsh conditions of Ladakh have led to the evolution of unique flora and fauna, including the Yak and the Bharal.

The Yak is a large, long-haired bovine that is well-adapted to the cold and high-altitude environment of Ladakh. Yaks are known for their thick fur, which provides insulation against the cold, and their ability to thrive in high-altitude regions. They are primarily found in the Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau regions, including Ladakh.

The Bharal, or Blue Sheep, is another species that is native to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. Bharals are adapted to living in rocky, mountainous terrain and are found in areas with steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. They are well-suited to the cold and harsh conditions of the high-altitude regions, which are characteristic of Ladakh.

While other regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are also mountainous, they do not have the same high-altitude ecosystems as Ladakh. These regions are generally at lower elevations and do not provide the same extreme conditions that are necessary for the survival of the Yak and Bharal. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, is a state in southern India and is not a high-altitude region at all, making it an unsuitable habitat for these species.

Therefore, the correct answer is Ladakh, as it is the region where the Yak and Bharal are native and well-adapted to the high-altitude, cold, and mountainous environment.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Uttarakhand is a mountainous region in India, but it is not the primary native habitat for the Yak and Bharal. These species are more commonly found in the higher altitudes of Ladakh.
  • Option B: Himachal Pradesh, while also a mountainous region, does not have the same high-altitude ecosystems as Ladakh where the Yak and Bharal are native. The species are more adapted to the extreme conditions found in Ladakh.
  • Option C: Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India and is not a high-altitude region. The Yak and Bharal are not native to this region due to the lack of suitable high-altitude ecosystems.
  • Option D: Ladakh is the correct answer because it is a high-altitude region in India where the Yak and Bharal are native. These species are well-adapted to the cold, mountainous terrain of Ladakh.

Mnemonic: Yak and Bharal in Ladakh: "YB in L"

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