Q19 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrap insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

A Fishing cat
B Orangutan
C Otter
D Sloth bear

Correct answer: (b) Orangutan

Explanation

  1. A

    Fishing cat

    Fishing cat. A wetland cat; it does not stick-tool for insects in logs.

  2. B

    Orangutan

    Orangutan. Documented stick tools to extract insects and honey from holes.

  3. C

    Otter

    Otter. Uses stones on shellfish in some populations, not this stick-in-hole habit as the textbook case.

  4. D

    Sloth bear

    Sloth bear. Tears termite mounds with claws, not a crafted stick probe.

Summary. Official key is (b) orangutan. Wild orangutans (and chimpanzees) use sticks as tools to probe holes for insects. Fishing cats, otters and sloth bears forage differently.