2008 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies

Question 136: Science and Technology

Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly?

aEchidna
bKangaroo
cPorcupine
dWhale

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The echidna (spiny anteater) is a monotreme, one of the few egg-laying mammals, along with the platypus. Kangaroos are marsupials, whose young are born tiny and finish developing in the mother's pouch. Porcupines and whales are placental mammals that give birth to live young.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The echidna lays eggs.
  • (b) Kangaroos give birth to tiny young that develop in a pouch.
  • (c) Porcupines give birth to live young.
  • (d) Whales give birth to live young.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.