Q37 · UPSC Prelims 2025 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:I.It is an omnivorous crustacean.II.Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.III.In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A I only
B I and III
C II only
D II and III

Correct answer: (d) II and III

Explanation

  1. A

    I only

    I only. That would keep the crustacean line and drop habitat.

  2. B

    I and III

    I and III. I fails: it is a spider, not a crustacean.

  3. C

    II only

    II only. That drops the arboreal line, which is keyed.

  4. D

    II and III

    II and III. Natural habitat in India is a tiny Eastern Ghats forest pocket, and in the wild it is arboreal. It is not an omnivorous crustacean.

Summary. Official Set A key is (d) II and III. The Gooty / Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is a mygalomorph spider of a restricted forest habitat in the Eastern Ghats, and it is arboreal. Statement I is the planted error: crustacean and omnivore are the wrong phylum and diet story. So II and III hold; I does not.

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