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Consider the following animals

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

Answer:

(d)

Non-traditional

Core Books/NCERT

Explanation

Hedgehogs are small mammals with short limbs and a body low to the ground. Their most distinctive characteristic is the thousands of stiff, sharp spines — harder and sharper than those of a porcupine, that cover the animal’s back and sides. When attacked, they curl into a prickly and unappetizing ball that deters most predators. Hence, 1 is correct. A marmot is a rodent of medium size with brown fur on its head and back as well as yellow fur on its belly. This animal is a herbivore eating nuts, leaves, seeds, flowers, grass, and grains. Hence, 2 is not correct. Pangolins are the only mammals wholly-covered in scales and they use those scales to protect themselves from predators in the wild. If touched or grabbed, they roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out. Hence, 3 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.