UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Predator Defence Hedgehog Pangolin

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Hedgehogs are small mammals with short limbs and a body low to the ground. When they are frightened or annoyed, hedgehogs will roll into a ball so that a predator will feel the full brunt of its sharp spines and will then leave the hedgehog alone. Hence option 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Marmots are relatively large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota, with 15 species living in Asia, Europe, and North America. These herbivores are active during the summer when often found in groups, but are not seen during the winter when they hibernate underground. They are the heaviest members of the squirrel family. They do not roll up when threatened. Hence, option 2 is not correct.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Pangolins are uniquely covered in tough, overlapping scales. These mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue, and are able to quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when they feel threatened. Hence option 3 is correct.