Consider the following animals:

  1. Hedgehog
  2. Marmot
  3. Pangolin

To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only


Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

Hedgehog:

  • They are small mammals with short limbs and a body low to the ground.
  • Their most distinctive characteristic is the thousands of stiff, sharp spines — harder and sharper than those of a porcupine — that cover the animal’s back and sides, like a pincushion filled with needles.
  • If attacked they will curl into a prickly and unappetizing ball that deters most predators. Hence statement 1 is correct.

Marmot:

  • Marmots are well suited for life in cold environments and have small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws for digging.
  • Due to the absence of scales or spines, they do not roll up and protect their vulnerable parts. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Pangolin:

  • Also called scaly anteaters because of their preferred diet, pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world.
  • If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Consider the following statements:                                                                   The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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Consider the following statements:                                                         The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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