Q14 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

← Q13 Q15 →

Consider the following fauna:1.Lion-tailed Macaque2.Malabar Civet3.Sambar DeerHow many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

A Only one
B Only two
C All three
D None

Correct answer: (a) Only one

Explanation

  1. A

    Only one

    Only one. Malabar civet is nocturnal. Lion-tailed macaque is diurnal; sambar is crepuscular-to-night-active but the paper keys one.

  2. B

    Only two

    Only two. The Commission counts a single nocturnal animal in this trio.

  3. C

    All three

    All three. The macaque is a daytime rainforest primate.

  4. D

    None

    None. The civet is nocturnal.

Summary. Official key is (a) only one. The Malabar civet is a nocturnal viverrid. Lion-tailed macaques are diurnal rainforest monkeys. Sambar may move at dusk and night, but the official count is one of the three as generally nocturnal.