UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 23
Consider the following animals:
- Hedgehog
- Marmot
- Pangolin
To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/fold up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (1 and 3)
Explanation: Hedgehogs curl into spiny balls and pangolins coil into armoured balls in defence; marmots usually retreat to burrows instead.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct / qualifies - A hedgehog raises its spines and curls around soft underparts.
2. Incorrect / does not qualify - Marmots avoid danger mainly by fleeing or sheltering in burrows.
3. Correct / qualifies - Pangolins roll into protective balls using keratin scales.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Marmots avoid danger mainly by fleeing or sheltering in burrows); omits valid item 3 (Pangolins roll into protective balls using keratin scales).
B. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Marmots avoid danger mainly by fleeing or sheltering in burrows); omits valid item 1 (A hedgehog raises its spines and curls around soft underparts); omits valid item 3 (Pangolins roll into protective balls using keratin scales).
C. Incorrect-omits valid item 1 (A hedgehog raises its spines and curls around soft underparts).
D. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 3.