Question

Based on the three statements given below, choose the CORRECT option. Statement I: Gigantopithecus is a genus of the family Hominidae.
Statement II: Equus is a living genus of the family Equidae.
Statement III: Gomphotherium is a genus belonging to the order Proboscidea.

• A. Statements I and II are correct, statement III is incorrect.
• B. Statements I and III are correct, statement II is incorrect.
• C. Statements II and III are correct, statement I is incorrect.
• D. Statements I, II and III are correct.

Hint:

Remember: Gigantopithecus (ape) = Hominidae; Equus (horse, zebra, donkey) = living Equidae; Gomphotherium = extinct elephant relative (Proboscidea).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Check Statement I.
Gigantopithecus was a giant ape (extinct) from the Miocene–Pleistocene of Asia. It belongs to the family Hominidae, subfamily Ponginae (closely related to orangutans). Thus, Statement I is correct.

Step 2: Check Statement II.
Equus is a living genus including horses, donkeys, and zebras, and is the only surviving genus of the family Equidae. Thus, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Check Statement III.
Gomphotherium is an extinct proboscidean (order Proboscidea), related to elephants, with long lower jaws and shovel-like tusks. Thus, Statement III is correct.

Step 4: Conclusion.
All three statements (I, II, III) are correct.

Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) Statements I, II and III are correct.}} \]