Which of the following State symbols is/are incorrectly matched?
(i) Mizoram – State animal, Red Panda

(ii) Arunachal Pradesh – State flower, Foxtail Orchid

(iii) Karnataka – State tree, Sandalwood

(iv) West Bengal – State bird, White-throated Kingfisher
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Only (i)
Explanation:
· Statement (i) Mizoram: State animal, Red Panda is incorrect. The Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar) is the official state animal of Mizoram. The Red Panda is the state animal of Sikkim.
· Statement (ii) Arunachal Pradesh: State flower, Foxtail Orchid is correct. The Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) is indeed the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh.
· Statement (iii) Karnataka: State tree, Sandalwood is correct. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is the state tree of Karnataka.
· Statement (iv) West Bengal: State bird, White-throated Kingfisher is correct. The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is the state bird of West Bengal.
· Therefore, only the first statement, which incorrectly identifies the Red Panda as Mizoram's state animal, is the incorrect match.
Information Booster:
· State symbols like animals, birds, trees, and flowers are chosen to represent a state's unique natural heritage and biodiversity and often hold cultural or ecological significance within that area.
· The selection of a state symbol often aims to promote awareness and conservation efforts for that specific species or natural element.
· For instance, the Red Panda, state animal of Sikkim, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and its status as a state symbol highlights the importance of its conservation.
Additional Knowledge: Arunachal Pradesh – State flower, Foxtail Orchid (Option ii)
· The Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) is also the state flower of Assam, where it is popularly known as Kopou Phool.
· This orchid holds significant cultural importance in the Northeast, particularly in Assam, where its bloom marks the arrival of Rongali Bihu, the Assamese New Year.
Karnataka – State tree, Sandalwood (Option iii)
· Sandalwood (Santalum album) is highly valued for its aromatic heartwood and essential oil, used in various industries including perfumery and traditional medicine.
· Karnataka is the largest producer of Indian Sandalwood, and Mysuru, a city in Karnataka, is famously known as the "Sandalwood City of India".
West Bengal – State bird, White-throated Kingfisher (Option iv)
· The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a vibrant and easily recognizable bird with striking blue wings, a chestnut body, and a bright red bill.
· This kingfisher species is widespread across the Indian subcontinent and is adaptable to various habitats, including urban areas, and is not currently considered threatened.