Biology PYQ 208 of 227 · Ecology, Ecosystem & Biodiversity

The most important factor contributing to the loss of vulture population in India is

  1. AViral infection
  2. BBacterial infection
  3. CAdministering of painkillers to cattle
  4. DAdministering of injection to cattle

UPPSC 2015

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (c) Administering of painkillers to cattle

Explanation

India's vultures crashed by 97 to 99.9% after feeding on cattle carcasses containing the painkiller diclofenac.

This veterinary painkiller caused fatal kidney failure (visceral gout) in vultures, making it the chief cause of decline.

Practise this questionAll 227 Biology PYQs