Question

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I Placental mammals	List-II Counterpart Marsupials
(A) Anteater	(II) Numbat
(B) Bobcat	(IV) Tasmanian tiger cat
(C) Lemur	(I) Spotted cuscus
(D) Flying squirrel	(III) Flying Phalanger

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Correct Matches: Analogous Mammals 

This table represents the correct matches between animals exhibiting similar ecological roles and/or physical characteristics, despite being found in different geographic regions and often belonging to distinct evolutionary lineages. This phenomenon is an example of convergent evolution.

Mammal Analogies:

1. (A) Anteater - (II) Numbat

Explanation: Both anteaters and numbats feed primarily on ants and termites and have adaptations for this diet, such as long snouts and sticky tongues.

1. (B) Bobcat - (IV) Tasmanian Tiger Cat (Quoll)

Explanation: Bobcats (North America) and Quolls (Australia) are both medium-sized carnivorous marsupials that occupy similar predatory niches in their respective ecosystems.

1. (C) Lemur - (I) Spotted Cuscus

Explanation: Both lemurs and spotted cuscus are arboreal primates (lemurs are placental primates, while cuscus are marsupial). They both occupy similar niches as arboreal omnivores/frugivores.

1. (D) Flying Squirrel - (III) Flying Phalanger

Explanation: Both flying squirrels (placental mammals) and flying phalangers (marsupials) possess gliding membranes (patagia) that allow them to glide between trees. This is a classic example of convergent evolution.

Answer 2

Correct Matches: Analogous Mammals 

This table represents correct matches between animals exhibiting similar ecological roles and/or physical characteristics, despite being found in different geographic regions and often belonging to distinct evolutionary lineages. This is an example of convergent evolution.

Mammal Analogies:

1. (A) Anteater - (II) Numbat
2. (B) Bobcat - (IV) Tasmanian Tiger Cat (Quoll)
3. (C) Lemur - (I) Spotted Cuscus
4. (D) Flying Squirrel - (III) Flying Phalanger