What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
- AOryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountainsCorrect
- BOryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
- COryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
- DNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
Explanation
The correct answer is A because it accurately describes the distinct ecological habitats of these two animals. The Oryx is a desert antelope adapted to extremely hot and dry environments like the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa. In contrast, the Chiru, also known as the Tibetan Antelope, is native to the high altitude, cold plateaus and mountains of Tibet and Ladakh.
Regarding the other options, B is incorrect because Oryx is not primarily poached for antlers, and Chiru is poached for its underfur known as Shahtoosh, not musk. Option C is incorrect as the Oryx is not native to India, and the Chiru is found in the northern Himalayan regions, not the north east.
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