Flora & Fauna Dynamics

Statement 1 is Correct: The Western Hoolock Gibbon is native to North-east India, and the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam is a prominent protected area specifically dedicated to this species. Furthermore, the Western Hoolock Gibbon is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Statement 2 is Correct: They are highly arboreal canopy-dwellers. They move primarily through brachiation—a specialized mode of locomotion where they use their exceptionally long arms to swing swiftly and effortlessly from tree branch to tree branch. Statement 3 is Incorrect: Gibbons are classified as "lesser apes" (family *Hylobatidae*). Unlike "great apes" such as gorillas which possess massive, heavy builds, Hoolock gibbons are small, slender, and lightweight. Adults typically weigh only 6 to 9 kg, a physical adaptation that is essential for their remarkable aerial agility in the forest canopy. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct: Doyang Lake in Nagaland represents a major community-led conservation victory. Previously, hundreds of thousands of Amur Falcons were trapped and hunted annually. Following sustained interventions by conservationists, NGOs, and the Nagaland Forest Department, local communities completely stopped the hunting, turning into protectors. This safe passage earned Nagaland the title "Falcon Capital of the World." Statement 2 is Incorrect: Scientists use advanced tracking technologies (like lightweight solar-powered satellite transmitters) to monitor and study the falcons' migration routes, stopover durations, and flight speeds. These devices collect data for researchers; they do not guide the birds. The falcons rely entirely on natural navigation and environmental cues to find their way back to stopover sites. Statement 3 is Incorrect: Amur Falcons are long-distance migratory raptors, not permanent residents of India. They breed in Siberia and Northern China and migrate annually to their wintering grounds in Southern Africa. During their approximately 22,000 km journey, they use Northeast India—specifically Doyang Lake in Nagaland—as a temporary stopover for a few weeks (October–November) to build fat reserves before undertaking a massive non-stop flight across the Arabian Sea. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct: *Rhynchostylis retusa* (commonly known as the Foxtail orchid) is an epiphytic orchid. It grows on the trunks and branches of trees in open forests, using the host tree for physical support and absorbing moisture from the air, rather than acting as a parasite. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The species is not endemic to North-east India. It has a vast native range across Tropical Asia, including China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Within India, while it is highly prominent in the North-east, it is also naturally distributed in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and several other states. Statement 3 is Correct: It is officially recognized as the State flower of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, it is culturally significant, known locally as *Kopou Phool*, and is an essential part of traditional Bihu dance attire and local wedding ceremonies. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Wet-bulb temperature combines heat and humidity. When it exceeds 35°C, the human body can no longer cool itself through sweating, posing a serious threat to survival. ❌ Statement I: Incorrect
* Though flooding, cyclones, and droughts are valid climate threats, they are not directly related to the World Bank's warning about wet-bulb temperatures. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* When wet-bulb temperatures cross 35°C, the body cannot release heat, making it fatal for humans and animals.

Oxygen on Earth mainly comes from photosynthesis, especially by phytoplankton (marine organisms), and oxygen levels differ between air and water. ❌ Statement I is incorrect:
* Oceans (phytoplankton) produce more oxygen than rainforests. ✅ Statement II is correct:
* Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of the world’s oxygen. ❌ Statement III is incorrect:
* Atmospheric air has much more oxygen than surface water; water does not contain several folds higher oxygen than air. So, the correct answer is: B

Pair I – Cassava: Woody shrub → Correct
Cassava (also called tapioca or manioc) is indeed a woody shrub cultivated for its starchy tuberous roots. Pair II – Ginger: Herb with pseudostem → Correct
Ginger is a herbaceous perennial with a pseudostem formed by leaf sheaths; the edible part is the rhizome. Pair III – Malabar spinach: Herbaceous climber → Correct
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a soft, herbaceous twining climber, commonly grown as a leafy vegetable. Pair IV – Mint: Annual shrub → Incorrect
Mint (Mentha spp.) is not a shrub; it is a perennial herb with soft stems, spreading by stolons. Pair V – Papaya: Woody shrub → Incorrect
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a herbaceous tree (giant herb), not a woody shrub—it has a soft, hollow stem.

The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is a rare, tree-dwelling spider found in limited forest areas in India. ❌ Statement I is incorrect:
* It is a spider (arachnid), not an omnivorous crustacean. ✅ Statement II is correct:
* Its habitat is restricted to some forest areas in the Eastern Ghats. ✅ Statement III is correct:
* It is arboreal, living in trees and tree crevices. So, the correct answer is: D

Papaya, pineapple, and guava are all non-native fruits to India, originally from the Americas, and were introduced during European colonial expansion, particularly by the Portuguese. ✅ I. Papaya – Correct
* Native to Central America, introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. ✅ II. Pineapple – Correct
* Originates from South America, brought to India by Portuguese explorers. ✅ III. Guava – Correct
* Native to Central America, introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century.

* Statement 1 is correct. Lions can breed throughout the year, but they do show some seasonal preferences depending on their location and environmental factors like rainfall. * Statement 2 is correct. Cheetahs have a different vocal structure compared to lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, preventing them from roaring. They purr, chirp, and make other bird-like sounds. * Statement 3 is incorrect. Both male lions and male leopards use scent marking extensively to define their territories. They spray urine and scrape the ground, leaving both olfactory and visual signals for other cats. _Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct._

1. Carabid beetles: Many carabid beetles are predatory, and some species are known to be parasitoids, particularly of other insects.  2. Centipedes: Centipedes are predatory arthropods and not parasitoids. They hunt and kill their prey. 3. Flies: The order Diptera (flies) includes a large number of parasitoid species. For example, Tachinid flies are parasitoids of various insects. 4. Termites: Termites are not parasitoids. They are social insects that primarily feed on wood and other plant matter. 5. Wasps: The order Hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants) has numerous parasitoid species. Many wasp species are parasitoids, laying their eggs on or in other insects. _Therefore, parasitoid species are found in Carabid beetles, Flies, and Wasps._