UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Only I
  2. I and III
  3. Only II
  4. II and III

Answer

Correct Answer

II and III

Explanation

The Peacock/Gooty tarantula is an arachnid (spider), not a crustacean, and it is carnivorous, not omnivorous, so Statement I is incorrect. Its natural habitat in India is indeed restricted to a few forest pockets (notably around Gooty, Andhra Pradesh), and it is an arboreal (tree-dwelling) species, making II and III correct.

Topics: biodiversity, environment, tarantula