With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal that feeds exclusively on seagrass, making it a herbivorous marine animal. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
2. In India, dugongs are found in specific shallow coastal waters, notably the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are not distributed along the entire coast of India. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
3. Due to its declining population and vulnerability, the dugong is afforded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
4. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
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