UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

Consider the following: 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above groups of organisms?

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

Answer

Correct Answer

Only three

Explanation

Parasitoid species are found among certain beetles, flies and wasps. Parasitoids develop on or within a host and ultimately kill it. Centipedes are predators, while termites are primarily detritivores or decomposers rather than parasitoids. Thus, three of the listed groups contain parasitoid species.

Topics: ecology, environment, parasitoids, species interactions