Consider the following statements regarding the Ganges River Dolphin: 1. As a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in water. 2. It is blind and hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds that bounce off prey, enabling them to “see” an image in their mind. 3. The highest number of Ganges river dolphins are found in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 4 . In News The first-ever population estimate of the Gangetic river dolphin recorded 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga and its tributaries. Key Points The Ganges River Dolphin is a mammal and must surface to breathe since it cannot extract oxygen from water like fish. It can only survive in freshwater ecosystems. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. These dolphins are functionally blind and navigate by echolocation—emitting ultrasonic sounds that bounce off fish and other objects, forming a mental image of their surroundings. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. The latest survey found the highest number of dolphins in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. Additional Information The Ganges River Dolphin was officially discovered in 1801 a nd once thrived in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. However, it is now extinct in many parts of its original range. These dolphins are solitary or found in small groups, usually with a mother and calf traveling together. They face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and entanglement in fishing nets. India has designated the Ganges River Dolphin as its National Aquatic Animal and launched the Project Dolphin initiative to protect their population.