Consider the following pairs : 1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River 2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River 3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Describes where the Kaveri rises, its course and states drained (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) — establishes the geographic extent of the river system.

A student could compare this basin map with known ranges of Blue‑finned Mahseer from field guides or distribution maps to see if ranges overlap.

Gives detailed basin area, tributaries and long course of the Kaveri — useful for assessing likely habitats and connectivity for riverine fish species.

Use the tributary list and basin area to identify likely upstream and downstream habitats (e.g., gravel runs, foothills) where mahseer typically occur, then check species records for those sub‑basins.

Notes Kaveri's origin in the Brahmagiri hills/Western Ghats and year‑round flow due to monsoon pattern — indicates presence of perennial hill streams often preferred by mahseer.

Combine this with the ecological fact that many mahseer species inhabit Western Ghats hill streams to judge plausibility of occurrence in Kaveri headwaters and tributaries.

Describes the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot across Karnataka/Kerala/Tamil Nadu — implies high freshwater fish diversity and potential endemic species in rivers originating there.

A student could use the Western Ghats' known status as a center of endemism to hypothesize that a regional mahseer (e.g., Blue‑finned) might be restricted to Ghats rivers like the Kaveri, then seek species distribution records.

Mentions a major tributary (Amravathi) and its heavy pollution — highlights that water quality and industrialisation can affect presence/visibility of sensitive river species.

Use this to reason that even if historically present, local populations of mahseer might be reduced or extirpated in polluted sub‑basins; check recent survey reports for current presence/absence.