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The release of which one of the following into ponds and wells helps in controlling the mosquitoes?

(a)

Crab

(b)

Dogfish

(c)

Gambusia fish

(d)

Snail

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

Gambusia fish feed on mosquito larvae, making them effective for mosquito control.

Microtheme: SpeciesXPeculiar features —
24 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

  1. [2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
    I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
    II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
    III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) I only
    • (b) I and III
    • (c) II only
    • (d) II and III
    Correct Answer: (D) II and III
  2. [2024] Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?

    • (a) Fig*
    • (b) Mahua
    • (c) Sandalwood
    • (d) Silk cotton
    Correct Answer: (A) Fig*
  3. [2023] Consider the following statements :
    1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties.
    3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    • (a) Only one
    • (b) Only two
    • (c) Only three
    • (d) All four
    Correct Answer: (D) All four
  4. [2023] Consider the following statements :
    Statement-I:
    Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
    Statement-II:
    Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    • (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    • (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    • (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    • (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Correct Answer: (C) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  5. [2023] Consider the following statements :
    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    • (a) Only one
    • (b) Only two
    • (c) Only three
    • (d) All four
    Correct Answer: (C) Only three
  6. [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

    • (a) Butterflies
    • (b) Dragonflies
    • (c) Honeybees
    • (d) Wasps
    Correct Answer: (C) Honeybees
  7. [2023] Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels :
    1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
    2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
    3. They are omnivorous.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    • (a) Only one
    • (b) Only two
    • (c) Only three
    • (d) All four
    Correct Answer: (B) Only two
  8. [2023] 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?

    • (a) Fishing cat
    • (b) Orangutan
    • (c) Otter
    • (d) Sloth bear
    Correct Answer: (B) Orangutan
  9. [2022] Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi ?

    • (a) Ant
    • (b) Cockroach
    • (c) Crab
    • (d) Spider
    Correct Answer: (A) Ant
  10. [2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
    1. Cnidarians
    2. Fungi
    3. Protozoa
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
  11. [2021] Which of the following are detritivores?
    1. Earthworms
    2. Jellyfish
    3. Millipedes
    4. Seahorses
    5. Woodlice
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    • (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    • (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
    • (c) 1, 3 and 5 only
    • (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
    Correct Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 5 only
  12. [2021] Consider the following animals:
    1. Hedgehog
    2. marmot
    3. Pangolin
    to reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?

    • (a) 1 and 2
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) 3 only
    • (d) 1 and 3
    Correct Answer: (D) 1 and 3
  13. [2019] 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 speeies of snakes are viviparous.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    • (a) 1 and 3 only
    • (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
    • (c) e) 2 and 4 only
    • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
  14. [2016] What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
    2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
  15. [2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

    • (a) Andaman Islands
    • (b) Anaimalai Forests
    • (c) Maikala Hills
    • (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast
    Correct Answer: (A) Andaman Islands
  16. [2014] Consider the following:
    1. Bats
    2. Bears
    3. Rodents
    The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals ?

    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
    • (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
    Correct Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 3 only
  17. [2014] Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?

    • (a) Crab
    • (b) Mite
    • (c) Scorpion
    • (d) Spider
    Correct Answer: (A) Crab
  18. [2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
    1. Painted Stork
    2. Common Myna
    3. Black-necked Crane
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    • (a) 1 and 2
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) 2 and 3
    • (d) 3 only
    Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
  19. [2012] What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?

    • (a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains.
    • (b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk.
    • (c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-cast India only.
    • (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
    Correct Answer: (A) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains.
  20. [2008] In which one of the following kinds of organisms is the phenomenon found wherein the female kills the male after copulation?

    • (a) Dragonfly
    • (b) Honeybee
    • (c) Spider
    • (d) Pit viper
    Correct Answer: (C) Spider
  21. [2008] For which one of the following snakes is the diet mainly composed of other snakes?

    • (a) Krait
    • (b) Russell’s viper
    • (c) Rattlesnake
    • (d) King cobra
    Correct Answer: (D) King cobra
  22. [2008] The release of which one of the following into ponds and wells helps in controlling the mosquitoes?

    • (a) Crab
    • (b) Dogfish
    • (c) Gambusia fish
    • (d) Snail
    Correct Answer: (C) Gambusia fish
  23. [2008] Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly?

    • (a) Echidna
    • (b) Kangaroo
    • (c) Porcupine
    • (d) Whale
    Correct Answer: (A) Echidna
  24. [2007] How do most insects respire?

    • (a) Through skin
    • (b) Through gills
    • (c) By lungs
    • (d) By tracheal system
    Correct Answer: (D) By tracheal system