UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 78 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Parasitoid Species

Consider the following:

1. Carabid beetles
2. Centipedes
3. Flies
4. Termites
5. Wasps

Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kinds of organisms?

  1. Only two
  2. Only three
  3. Only four
  4. All five
Show answer

Answer: B. Only three

In evolutionary ecology, a parasitoid is an organism that lives in close association with its host at the host's expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host.

Carabid beetles (1) – CORRECT: Several genera of carabid beetles are ectoparasitoids as larvae. The parasitoid habit is uncommon in beetles; only eleven beetle families include parasitoid species.

Centipedes (2) – INCORRECT: Centipedes are predatory arthropods, predominantly generalist predators. They are not parasitoids.

Flies (3) – CORRECT: Most parasitoids are either wasps and bees (Hymenoptera) or flies (Diptera).

Termites (4) – INCORRECT: Termites are primarily detritivores, consuming dead plants. They are not parasitoids.

Wasps (5) – CORRECT: Most parasitoids are either wasps and bees (Hymenoptera) or flies (Diptera).

Parasitoid species are found among 3 of the above: Carabid beetles, Flies, and Wasps → Option (b).

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