Question 27 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Environment

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Strategy: Scan each vertebrate group in the statements and recall their dietary and reproductive diversity. Specifically, recall that green sea turtles, many fish, and sirenians are herbivorous, and that snakes exhibit both oviparity and viviparity.

Key Info: - **Turtles**: This group includes both herbivorous and omnivorous species. Adult green sea turtles, for example, primarily consume seagrasses and algae.
- **Fish**: Several fish species are obligate herbivores. Parrotfish graze on algae, while tilapia, rabbitfish, and surgeonfish also consume plant material.
- **Marine Mammals**: The order Sirenia contains strict herbivores like manatees and dugongs, which feed on aquatic vegetation. This contrasts with most other marine mammals, which are carnivorous.
- **Snakes**: Reproductive modes vary widely. While oviparity (egg-laying) is common, many species, such as boas and anacondas, exhibit viviparity, giving birth to live offspring. Some viviparous snakes nourish embryos internally and may even develop placental-like connections.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 4 only

Consider the following statements: Some species of turtles are herbivores. Some species of fish are herbivores. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Some species of turtles are herbivores.

Some species of fish are herbivores.

Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.

Some species of snakes are viviparous.
Which of the statements given above are correct?