MCQ 1. Which scientific technique is least likely to be useful in identifying new Raorchestes species??
A) Bioacoustic analysis
B) DNA barcoding
C) Spectral imaging of soil composition
D) Morphometric comparison
Explanation:
• Useful tools: o Bioacoustics: frog calls are species-specific and essential for cryptic taxa. o DNA barcoding / phylogenetics: clarifies cryptic lineages and relationships. o Morphometrics: traditional morphological comparisons — still important.
• Why C is wrong: Spectral imaging of soil composition might help in habitat mapping but not species identification or taxonomy; thus it’s the least useful here
• Practical note: For cryptic amphibians, combine call data + genetics + morphology for robust species descriptions.
• Useful tools: o Bioacoustics: frog calls are species-specific and essential for cryptic taxa. o DNA barcoding / phylogenetics: clarifies cryptic lineages and relationships. o Morphometrics: traditional morphological comparisons — still important.
• Why C is wrong: Spectral imaging of soil composition might help in habitat mapping but not species identification or taxonomy; thus it’s the least useful here
• Practical note: For cryptic amphibians, combine call data + genetics + morphology for robust species descriptions.
MCQ 2. The Western Ghats, where the new frog species were discovered, is characterized by::
1. Sky islands forming highly isolated habitats
2. High amphibian endemism
3. Absence of evergreen forests
Which are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 3 onlys
D) 1, 2 and 3I
Explanation:
• 1 (true): Topographically, the Western Ghats have high-elevation massifs separated by valleys — creating isolated montane “sky islands”, ideal for local endemism.
• 2 (true): Amphibian endemism is very high in Western Ghats; many genera/species occur only here.
• 3 (false): Evergreen (tropical wet evergreen) forests exist extensively in the Western Ghats (e.g., Silent Valley, Agasthyamalai).
• Mains angle: Explain how “sky-island” geography promotes speciation and high endemism; relate to conservation fragmentation concerns.
• 1 (true): Topographically, the Western Ghats have high-elevation massifs separated by valleys — creating isolated montane “sky islands”, ideal for local endemism.
• 2 (true): Amphibian endemism is very high in Western Ghats; many genera/species occur only here.
• 3 (false): Evergreen (tropical wet evergreen) forests exist extensively in the Western Ghats (e.g., Silent Valley, Agasthyamalai).
• Mains angle: Explain how “sky-island” geography promotes speciation and high endemism; relate to conservation fragmentation concerns.
MCQ 3. Which can be inferred from the discovery of 13 new frog species?
1. Western Ghats remain understudied in amphibian diversity.
2. Amphibian decline estimates may be underestimated.
3. Mass-based forest surveys are sufficient to capture amphibian diversity.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• 1 (true): Discovery of multiple new taxa in a well-known hotspot shows significant knowledge gaps — many remote microhabitats remain under-surveyed.
• 2 (true): If cryptic species exist and are not accounted for, decline estimates (based on known taxa) could underestimate real biodiversity loss and extinction risk.
• 3 (false): Mass, coarse surveys frequently miss cryptic, nocturnal, acoustic or micro-habitat specialists. Detailed, targeted acoustic and genetic sampling is required.
• Exam takeaway: New discoveries imply both scientific opportunity and urgent conservation needs.
• 1 (true): Discovery of multiple new taxa in a well-known hotspot shows significant knowledge gaps — many remote microhabitats remain under-surveyed.
• 2 (true): If cryptic species exist and are not accounted for, decline estimates (based on known taxa) could underestimate real biodiversity loss and extinction risk.
• 3 (false): Mass, coarse surveys frequently miss cryptic, nocturnal, acoustic or micro-habitat specialists. Detailed, targeted acoustic and genetic sampling is required.
• Exam takeaway: New discoveries imply both scientific opportunity and urgent conservation needs.
MCQ 4. Why are frog calls essential for identifying Raorchestes species?
A) Because all species produce identical mating calls
B) Because calls act as species-specific barriers for reproduction
C) Because molecular tools cannot identify frog species
D) Because calls help determine IUCN statuss
Explanation:
• Correct reason (B): Frog advertisement calls are often species-specific, functioning in mate recognition; differences in call structure can indicate reproductive isolation — an important species criterion under the biological species concept.
• Why others are wrong: o A is false — calls differ between species. o C is false — molecular tools do identify species; both methods are complementary. o D is false — calls don't determine IUCN status directly, though they inform taxonomic resolution which feeds into assessments.
• Practical note: For cryptic frogs, call analysis often first signals a separate lineage, prompting genetic/morphological work. ment of duties.
• Correct reason (B): Frog advertisement calls are often species-specific, functioning in mate recognition; differences in call structure can indicate reproductive isolation — an important species criterion under the biological species concept.
• Why others are wrong: o A is false — calls differ between species. o C is false — molecular tools do identify species; both methods are complementary. o D is false — calls don't determine IUCN status directly, though they inform taxonomic resolution which feeds into assessments.
• Practical note: For cryptic frogs, call analysis often first signals a separate lineage, prompting genetic/morphological work. ment of duties.
MCQ 5. The family Rhacophoridae, to which newly discovered frogs belong, includes:
1. Gliding frogs
2. Shrub frogs
3. Burrowing frogs
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Rhacophoridae traits: This family includes tree frogs, many with adaptations for arboreal life: o Gliding frogs (e.g., Rhacophorus spp.) possess extensive webbing and can glide between trees — so 1 is correct. o Shrub/bush frogs (e.g., Raorchestes) are also in Rhacophoridae — 2 correct.
• Burrowing frogs are typically in other families (e.g., Microhylidae or others), so 3 is incorrect.
• Mains link: Family-level traits help place conservation priorities (arboreal adaptations mean vulnerability to canopy/understory loss).
• Rhacophoridae traits: This family includes tree frogs, many with adaptations for arboreal life: o Gliding frogs (e.g., Rhacophorus spp.) possess extensive webbing and can glide between trees — so 1 is correct. o Shrub/bush frogs (e.g., Raorchestes) are also in Rhacophoridae — 2 correct.
• Burrowing frogs are typically in other families (e.g., Microhylidae or others), so 3 is incorrect.
• Mains link: Family-level traits help place conservation priorities (arboreal adaptations mean vulnerability to canopy/understory loss).
MCQ 6. Which of the following threats is most critical for the newly discovered Raorchestes species?
A) Marine pollution
B) High-altitude ozone depletion
C) Forest fragmentation and climate shifts s
D) Plate tectonic movements
Explanation:
• Why C: Raorchestes species are micro-endemic and depend on specific microclimates (humidity, leaf-litter, temperature). Forest fragmentation isolates populations, reduces gene flow and increases extinction risk. Climate change can alter fog, cloud cover, and moisture regimes — immediately affecting direct-developing amphibians.
• Why other options are irrelevant: o A (marine pollution) → terrestrial/forest taxa, not marine. o B (ozone depletion) → not an immediate threat to local frog populations relative to fragmentation/climate. o D (tectonics) → geological on very long timescales; not a pressing threat.
• Policy use: Argue for maintaining ecological corridors and microhabitat protection in answers; relate to climate justice and site-level conservation.
• Why C: Raorchestes species are micro-endemic and depend on specific microclimates (humidity, leaf-litter, temperature). Forest fragmentation isolates populations, reduces gene flow and increases extinction risk. Climate change can alter fog, cloud cover, and moisture regimes — immediately affecting direct-developing amphibians.
• Why other options are irrelevant: o A (marine pollution) → terrestrial/forest taxa, not marine. o B (ozone depletion) → not an immediate threat to local frog populations relative to fragmentation/climate. o D (tectonics) → geological on very long timescales; not a pressing threat.
• Policy use: Argue for maintaining ecological corridors and microhabitat protection in answers; relate to climate justice and site-level conservation.
MCQ 7. Consider the following statements about Lachit Borphukan:
1. He was the commander of the Ahom army during the Battle of Saraighat.
2. He introduced the “Paal system” for naval organization.
3. He was awarded the title Bagh Hazarika by the Ahom king.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• ✔️ Statement 1 is correct. Lachit Borphukan led the Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) against the Mughals.
• ❌ Statement 2 is incorrect. The Paal system was part of Ahom military organization, but it predates Lachit and was NOT introduced by him.
• ❌ Statement 3 is incorrect. Bagh Hazarika was a title given to another Ahom warrior Ismail Siddique, not Lachit.
• ✔️ Statement 1 is correct. Lachit Borphukan led the Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) against the Mughals.
• ❌ Statement 2 is incorrect. The Paal system was part of Ahom military organization, but it predates Lachit and was NOT introduced by him.
• ❌ Statement 3 is incorrect. Bagh Hazarika was a title given to another Ahom warrior Ismail Siddique, not Lachit.
MCQ 8. In the Battle of Saraighat (1671), which of the following strategic factors contributed most to the Ahom victory?
1. Guerrilla warfare tactics
2. Superior naval knowledge of the Brahmaputra
3. Use of European firearms
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• ✔️ Guerrilla tactics and riverine expertise we
• ✔️ Ahoms mastered Brahmaputra navigation, crucial in river battle.
• ❌ The Ahoms did not depend on European firearms; Mughals had superior artillery.
• ✔️ Guerrilla tactics and riverine expertise we
• ✔️ Ahoms mastered Brahmaputra navigation, crucial in river battle.
• ❌ The Ahoms did not depend on European firearms; Mughals had superior artillery.
MCQ 9. With reference to the Ahom Kingdom, consider the following statements:
1. The capital of the Ahom kingdom during Lachit’s time was Rangpur.
2. The Ahoms belonged to the Tai ethnic group.
3. The Ahoms used a script called Buranji for royal records.
Which statements are correct?
A) 2 only
B) 1 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
• ❌ Statement 1: Capital in Lachit’s era was Garhgaon, not Rangpur.
• ✔️ Statement 2: Ahoms were Tai/Thai origin.
• ❌ Statement 3: Buranji is not a script. It means chronicles/records, written in Ahom/Assamese languages.
• ❌ Statement 1: Capital in Lachit’s era was Garhgaon, not Rangpur.
• ✔️ Statement 2: Ahoms were Tai/Thai origin.
• ❌ Statement 3: Buranji is not a script. It means chronicles/records, written in Ahom/Assamese languages.
MCQ 10. Lachit Borphukan is often associated with which administrative-military title?
Select the correct answer:
A) Barpatra Gohain
B) Senapati
C) Deka Phukan
D) Borphukan
Explanation:
“Borphukan” was one of the highest Ahom military and administrative posts.
“Borphukan” was one of the highest Ahom military and administrative posts.