Question 17
Set 2
Contents
QQuestion
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?
OOptions
✓Correct Answer
DDalvoy Solutions
Analyzing statements about the Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula):
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean: Incorrect. The Peacock tarantula is not a crustacean but an arachnid (spider). It's also not omnivorous but primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small prey.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas: Correct. The Gooty tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is endemic to a small region in Andhra Pradesh, India, with very limited distribution in specific forest areas, making it critically endangered.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species: Correct. Peacock tarantulas are arboreal spiders that live in trees and construct tube webs in tree holes or between branches, unlike ground-dwelling tarantula species.
SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips
For species identification questions, focus on basic taxonomic classification (arachnid vs crustacean), habitat requirements, and behavioral characteristics. Endemic species often have very limited distributions.