Nilgiri Tahr is _________.
Goat
Understanding the Nilgiri Tahr
The question asks us to identify what type of animal the Nilgiri Tahr is from the given options. The Nilgiri Tahr (\text{Nilgiritragus hylocrius}) is a unique species of wild goat found in the Western Ghats mountains of South India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see how they relate to the Nilgiri Tahr:
- Cow: Cows belong to the species \text{Bos taurus}. They are domesticated bovine animals, distinctly different from the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Goat: Goats belong to the genus \text{Capra} or related genera within the subfamily \text{Caprinae}, which also includes sheep. The Nilgiri Tahr is classified within this group, making it a type of wild goat.
- Bull: A bull is an intact adult male of the species \text{Bos taurus} (cattle). This is a specific sex of a different animal species than the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Cat: Cats belong to the family \text{Felidae}, which are carnivorous mammals. The Nilgiri Tahr is a herbivorous ungulate (hoofed mammal).
Based on biological classification, the Nilgiri Tahr is indeed considered a type of goat.
Classification of Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr's classification confirms its relation to goats:
| Category | Classification of Nilgiri Tahr |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) |
| Family | Bovidae (cattle, goats, sheep, etc.) |
| Subfamily | Caprinae (goats, sheep, tahr, etc.) |
| Genus | \text{Nilgiritragus} |
| Species | \text{Nilgiritragus hylocrius} |
As seen in the classification, the Nilgiri Tahr belongs to the subfamily Caprinae, which consists of goats, sheep, and related species like the tahr. Therefore, it is correctly described as a goat.
Conclusion
The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as a type of wild goat, primarily found in the high mountains of the Western Ghats in India. Among the given options, 'Goat' is the correct description of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Revision Table: Nilgiri Tahr Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | \text{Nilgiritragus hylocrius} |
| Common Name | Nilgiri Tahr |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Subfamily | Caprinae (Goats and Sheep) |
| Habitat | High-altitude grasslands (shola-grassland ecosystem) of the Western Ghats |
| Location | Southern India (primarily Kerala and Tamil Nadu) |
| Conservation Status | Endangered |
| State Animal | Tamil Nadu |
Additional Information about Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr is adapted to live in the steep, rocky terrain of the mountains. They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses and leaves. They are social animals, often seen in herds. Their population was severely threatened by hunting and habitat loss, leading to their endangered status. Conservation efforts, particularly in protected areas like Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, have helped in the recovery of their population.
Important Questions from Indian Flora & Fauna
Consider the following statements :
1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2. Tamarind tree is endemic in South Asia.
3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels,
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Which of the following pair of forest-tree is correct?
I. Mountain - Palm
II. Mangrove - Birch
From which among the following pairs of species, a small quantity of fine quality wool is obtained in India?
Destruction of trees and forests is called deforestation. Deforestation is the cause of ________.
