UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 27
Consider the following :
- Carabid beetles
- Centipedes
- Flies
- Termites
- Wasps
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (Only three)
Explanation: Parasitoids ultimately kill their hosts. Such species occur in some carabid beetles, numerous flies and wasps, but not typically in centipedes or termites.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct/True - Some carabid-beetle larvae are parasitoids.
2. Incorrect/False - Centipedes are mainly active predators, not parasitoids.
3. Correct/True - Tachinid and related flies include parasitoids.
4. Incorrect/False - Termites are social detritivores, not parasitoids.
5. Correct/True - Ichneumonid and braconid wasps are classic parasitoids.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-it counts 2, but items 1, 3, 5 qualify, giving 3.
B. Correct-exactly 3 of the 5 listed items satisfy the condition.
C. Incorrect-it counts 4, but only 3 qualify; item(s) 2, 4 do not.
D. Incorrect-it counts 5, but only 3 qualify; item(s) 2, 4 do not.