Question

Which type of animal is stegodon, the fossil of which has been recently found in Uttar Pradesh?
A. Turtle
B. Giraffe
C. Elephant
D. Lion

Answer 1

Hint: The fossil of stegodon, an organism of the kingdom Animalia was recently discovered in Saharanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Stegodon, meaning “roofed teeth” because of the distributive ridges on the animal’s molars. The fossil is being considered to be potentially millions of years old.

Complete answer: Stegodon is an extinct type of mammal with unique tusk and molars that were found at an early age in Asia and Africa. The fossil found is around five to eight million years old.
A joint team of forest officials and wildlife organization, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has claimed to have discovered fossils of a stegodon. It is believed to be 5 to 5 million years old from Badshahi Bagh area of Shivalik range in Saharanpur district. The discovered fossil was a moderately preserved third lower molar with nine well-developed ridges on its surface. The length of the molar is nearly and the enamel of the molar is very thick. Stegodons are thought to have existed million years ago with regional survival around 4100 years ago near sources of waters such as rivers and lakes.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note: The presence of stegodons shows the existence of dense forests and river channels in the area during that time. These geographical features are unique to the livelihood and survival of likes of animals like elephants. They are known to even migrate in search of food and water during unfavourable conditions.