Consider the following : 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
Why the answer is (c)
• Hibernation — a state of lowered body temperature and metabolism to survive winter scarcity — occurs in bats (1), which hibernate in caves; bears (2), which enter a lighter winter dormancy often counted as hibernation; and rodents (3) such as ground squirrels, dormice and marmots, the classic deep hibernators.
• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Rodents like marmots also hibernate.
- (b) 2 only
- Bats and rodents also hibernate.
- (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
- All three groups show hibernation.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.