Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
b. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-H is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
c. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
d. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper

Explanation :

c. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Marsupials and Their Habitat

Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. They are primarily native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, with some species also found in the Americas.

Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive in various habitats, not just montane grasslands, and they do face predators in their natural environments. For example, kangaroos, which are marsupials, inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, and have predators such as dingoes and eagles. The statement that marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators is incorrect.