UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 27 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Indian Squirrels

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:

1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.

2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.

3. They are omnivorous.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
Show answer

Answer: B. Only two

Verdict

Only statements 2 and 3 are correct → Option (b) Only two.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Squirrels are generally small to medium-size rodents but there are few species that are giant in size like Malabar giant squirrel and Malayan giant squirrel. Giant tree squirrels are arboreal species and live mostly on trees in the forest. They do not build nests by making burrows in the ground.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: To prepare for colder months, squirrels cache food during the spring and summer by gathering extra nuts. They bury the surplus in the area surrounding their nests, splitting it into different underground pantries to save for later.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: While nuts and fruits make up a majority of its diet, the Indian sun squirrel will also eat insects, other smaller mammals, and reptiles — making them omnivorous.

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