Question

Match the animal inactivity behaviors listed in Column I with representative animals in Column II and their definitions listed in Column III.

Column III
(a) Prolonged period of inactivity without reducing body temperature
(b) Inactivity period which accompanies extended periods of dryness
(c) Decreased metabolism with lowered body temperature occurring in daily activity cycles
(d) Decreased metabolism and lower body temperature for weeks or months

• A. P-(ii)-c, Q-(iv)-b, R-(i)-a, S-(iii)-d
• B. P-(iv)-c, Q-(iii)-a, R-(ii)-a, S-(i)-b
• C. P-(iv)-c, Q-(ii)-b, R-(i)-a, S-(iii)-d
• D. P-(iv)-b, Q-(i)-c, R-(ii)-d, S-(iii)-a

Hint:

Different animal species exhibit various forms of inactivity, such as torpor, hibernation, and aestivation, depending on environmental conditions and physiological needs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the animal behaviors and their definitions.
- Torpor (P) is a state of decreased metabolism with lowered body temperature occurring in daily activity cycles, as seen in hummingbirds.
- Hibernation (Q) is a prolonged period of inactivity accompanied by a decrease in metabolism and body temperature over weeks or months, as seen in ground squirrels.
- Winter sleep (R) refers to a prolonged period of inactivity without reducing body temperature, as observed in polar bears.
- Aestivation (S) is an inactivity period that accompanies extended periods of dryness, as seen in Australian burrowing frogs.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Incorrect, as it mismatches the animals and definitions.
- (B) Correct, as this matches each animal with its appropriate inactivity behavior and definition.
- (C) Incorrect, as it mismatches the behavior of winter sleep.
- (D) Incorrect, as it mismatches both the behavior of torpor and hibernation.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) P-(iv)-c, Q-(iii)-a, R-(ii)-a, S-(i)-b.