UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 96
Which of the following are detritivores?
- Earthworms
- Jellyfish
- Millipedes
- Seahorses
- Woodlice
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (1, 3 and 5 only)
Explanation: Detritivores eat dead organic debris: earthworms, millipedes and woodlice do so. Jellyfish and seahorses primarily catch live animal prey.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct / qualifies - Earthworms ingest decaying organic matter mixed with soil.
2. Incorrect / does not qualify - Jellyfish are predators of plankton and small animals.
3. Correct / qualifies - Most millipedes consume decomposing plant litter.
4. Incorrect / does not qualify - Seahorses feed on live crustaceans and zooplankton.
5. Correct / qualifies - Woodlice process dead plant material and leaf litter.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Jellyfish are predators of plankton and small animals); includes item 4, which is not valid (Seahorses feed on live crustaceans and zooplankton); omits valid item 3 (Most millipedes consume decomposing plant litter); omits valid item 5 (Woodlice process dead plant material and leaf litter).
B. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Jellyfish are predators of plankton and small animals); includes item 4, which is not valid (Seahorses feed on live crustaceans and zooplankton); omits valid item 1 (Earthworms ingest decaying organic matter mixed with soil).
C. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 3, 5.
D. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Jellyfish are predators of plankton and small animals); includes item 4, which is not valid (Seahorses feed on live crustaceans and zooplankton).