UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024
Consider the following: 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs How many of the above have poisonous species among them?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer
Correct Answer
All three
Explanation
Poisonous species occur among all three groups. Some butterflies, such as monarchs, accumulate toxic compounds from their larval host plants and become unpalatable to predators. Several fish species, including pufferfish, contain potent toxins. Poison dart frogs and certain other frogs possess toxic skin secretions. Hence, all three groups include poisonous species. Options A and B are incorrect because they underestimate the number of groups containing poisonous species. Option D is incorrect because poisonous species are well documented in each group.
Topics: biodiversity, chemical defence mechanisms, environment, toxic and poisonous animals