With reference to Indian elephants

With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: A

Explanation

Elephants live in small family groups led by old females (cows) and Gestation is the longest of any mammal (18-22 months). So, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

According to the report, released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054). So, statements 3 and 4 are not correct.

• Exam Year: 2020