2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 19: Environment and Ecology

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?

aFishing cat
bOrangutan
cOtter
dSloth bear

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Orangutans, notably the population at Suaq Balimbing in Sumatra, trim sticks and use them to probe tree holes and logs for insects and honey. This is one of the best-known examples of tool use by great apes outside Africa. Fishing cats wade and dive for fish, otters use stones to crack shells, and sloth bears use long claws and suction to feed on termites; none uses a stick in this way.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Fishing cats catch fish by wading and diving, not with tools.
  • (b) Correct: orangutans use sticks to extract insects and honey.
  • (c) Otters may use stones to open shells but not sticks to scrape insects.
  • (d) Sloth bears dig and suck up termites with claws and lips.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.