Consider the following statements:

1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
4. Some species of snakes viviparous.

Which of the statements given above arc correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

• Green sea turtles eat seagrasses and algae, though juveniles snack on crabs, sponges, and jellyfish. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Herbivorous fishes are fishes that eat plant material – include the Japanese angelfish, yellow bloth-rabbit fish, and tilapia. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Manatees and dugongs are the only herbivores among marine mammals. Their diet consists of water grasses, weeds, and algae. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Boa constrictors and green anacondas are two examples of viviparous snakes, meaning they give birth to live young with no eggs involved at any stage of development. Hence, statement 4 is correct.