Question 95 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Environme nt

Question

Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Orangutan

Strategy: The strategy involves identifying the animal that uses sticks to extract insects from holes or logs. Orangutans are well-documented for this specific, advanced tool-use behavior, including modifying sticks. Other listed animals do not exhibit this trait in the wild.

Key Info: ## Orangutans
Orangutans (genus Pongo), great apes native to Sumatra and Borneo, are among the most intelligent non-human primates. They are well-known for tool use, particularly crafting and using sticks to extract insects such as ants and termites from holes or logs, and to access honey or seeds. This behavior is observed in the wild and in captivity, demonstrating learned and transmitted skills across generations. Orangutans use their opposable thumbs and cognitive abilities to select, modify, and employ twigs as tools--a sign of advanced problem-solving.

## Fishing Cats
Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) are wild felids adapted to wetland habitats, feeding primarily on fish. They use their paws for fishing but are not known for tool use.

## Otters
Otters (especially the sea otter, Enhydra lutris) commonly use stones as tools to crack open mollusks and shellfish, but do not use sticks to extract insects from logs or trees.

## Sloth Bears
Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) have a long, flexible snout and use their lips to extract insects, mainly termites, directly; they do not use sticks or other objects as tools for feeding in the wild.

## General Tool Use
Tool use in the animal kingdom is rare and considered a significant marker of advanced cognition, observed in certain bird species (like crows), some primates (chimpanzees, orangutans), and few others.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Fishing cat

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Otter

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Sloth bear