Q23 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Consider the following animals:1.Hedgehog2.marmot3.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?

A 1 and 2
B 2 only
C 3 only
D 1 and 3

Correct answer: (d) 1 and 3

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2

    1 and 2. Marmots freeze or bolt to burrows; they are not the roll-up pair.

  2. B

    2 only

    2 only. Marmot is the miss.

  3. C

    3 only

    3 only. Hedgehog also rolls.

  4. D

    1 and 3

    1 and 3. Hedgehog and pangolin curl to hide the soft underside. Marmot does not.

Summary. Official key is (d) 1 and 3. Hedgehogs and pangolins roll into a ball. Marmots rely on burrows, not a defensive roll.