UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 69
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels :
- They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
- They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
- They are omnivorous.
How many of the above statements are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (Only two)
Explanation: Common Indian palm squirrels nest in trees rather than digging nesting burrows, but cache seeds/nuts and have an opportunistic omnivorous diet.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect/False - Tree-dwelling Indian palm squirrels build dreys or use tree cavities, not usually ground nesting burrows.
2. Correct/True - They may bury or cache nuts and seeds for later use.
3. Correct/True - They eat plant material along with insects or other animal food, so can be omnivorous.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-it counts 1, but items 2, 3 qualify, giving 2.
B. Correct-exactly 2 of the 3 listed items satisfy the condition.
C. Incorrect-it counts 3, but only 2 qualify; item(s) 1 do not.
D. Incorrect-it counts 0, but items 2, 3 qualify, giving 2.