Consider the following animals :
- 1. Hedgehog
- 2. Marmot
- 3. Pangolin
To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?
1 and 2
2 only
3 only
1 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
1. Hedgehog: Hedgehogs are well-known for their ability to roll into a tight, spiny ball when threatened. Their strong back muscles allow them to pull their skin, covered in spines, over their head and legs, presenting a formidable defense.
2. Marmot: Marmots are large ground squirrels. Their primary defense mechanisms include loud alarm calls to alert others and retreating quickly into their burrows. They do not roll up into a ball for defense.
3. Pangolin: Pangolins are mammals covered in large, protective keratin scales. When threatened, they roll up into a tight ball, tucking their head under their tail and using their scales as armor against predators.
Therefore, both Hedgehogs and Pangolins employ the strategy of rolling up into a ball to protect themselves.