UPSC » Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements

Q. 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?

(a) I only
(b) I and III
(c) II only
(d) II and III

17. पीकॉक टैरेंटुला (गूटी टैरेंटुला) के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

I. यह एक सर्वभक्षी परुष-कवची (क्रस्टेशियाई) है।
II. इसका प्राकृतिक आवास भारत में केवल कुछ वनों तक ही सीमित है।
III. अपने प्राकृतिक आवास में यह एक वृक्षीय जाति है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/है?

(a) केवल I
(b) I और III
(c) केवल II
(d) II और III

Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement I is incorrect:

The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is not an omnivorous crustacean.

  • The Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) belongs to the class Arachnida, meaning it is a spider, not a crustacean.
  • It is a carnivorous species, feeding mainly on insects and small vertebrates, rather than being omnivorous.
  • Crustaceans include animals such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps, whereas tarantulas are arachnids.

Statement II is correct:

Its natural habitat in India is limited to only a few forest areas.

  • The Gooty tarantula has a highly restricted natural distribution and is found only in a small patch of forest in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Due to its limited habitat range, habitat destruction, and illegal pet trade, it is considered Critically Endangered.

Statement III is correct:

In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

  • The Peacock tarantula is an arboreal spider, meaning it primarily lives in trees.
  • It commonly inhabits tree hollows and bark crevices, using forest vegetation for shelter and hunting.

Conclusion:

  • Statement I is incorrect because the Peacock tarantula is a carnivorous arachnid, not an omnivorous crustacean.
  • Statement II is correct because its habitat is restricted to limited forest areas in India.
  • Statement III is correct because it is an arboreal species.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is (d) II and III.

Source :

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/tracking--the-elusive---metallic-spider-46057