To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the following organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protects its/their vulnerable parts? Hedgehog? Marmot? [2021]

Consider the following animals:

Hedgehog
Marmot
Pangolin

To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protects its/their vulnerable parts?

1 and 2
2 only
3 only
1 and 3

Explanation

Hedgehog is correct

Hedgehogs roll up into a tight ball as a defence mechanism against predators. Their spiny exterior protects their vulnerable parts, such as their belly and head, from being harmed.

Additional Information

There are four hedgehog species found in India: (1) Indian hedgehog, (2) Indian Long-eared hedgehog, (3) Madras hedgehog, and (4) Brandt’s hedgehog (recently recorded).
They are nocturnal and have unique habitats that have only been seen in selected patches.
Hedgehogs in India are distinct in many ways. For instance, hedgehogs in the UK, Africa, and Central Asia hibernate in winter, but the ones in South India go into Estivation in summer instead.
- Estivation is when an animal goes into a dormant state during a hot period to wait out water scarcity or harsh heat. Many desert creatures estivate.
- Hibernation a state of dormancy that warm-blooded animals go into during winter, preserving energy at a time when food sources are scarce.

Photograph of a hedgehog curled up and resting on sandy ground with sunlight casting shadows. The hedgehog's spiky fur is dark brown with lighter tips, and its face is partially visible.

Image Source: The Hindu

Marmot is incorrect

Marmots are large ground squirrels that primarily rely on hiding in burrows or rocky crevices for protection, not rolling up. South Asia or the Indian Subcontinent is home to the Himalayan Marmot as well as the Long-tailed Marmot.

Marmots are large ground squirrels that primarily rely on hiding in burrows or rocky crevices for protection, not rolling up.

Image Source: DownToEarth

Pangolin is correct

Pangolins are unique mammals covered in overlapping scales. When threatened, they curl into a tight ball, exposing only their tough scales to deter predators. Pangolins are among the most trafficked wildlife species in the world. Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin are found in India. Both these species are listed under Schedule I Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Indian Pangolin

Distribution: It is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. It can be found at elevation up to 2500 m. The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Threat: Major threats to pangolins in India are hunting and poaching for local consumptive use (e.g. as a protein source and traditional medicine) and international trade, for its meat and scales.
Conservation Status: IUCN: EN | WPA: Schedule I

A split photograph showing a map highlighting India in orange on the left and a close-up of a pangolin's head with textured scales on the right. The map provides geographical context for the pangolin's habitat, emphasizing regions in South Asia.

Chinese Pangolin

Distribution: They are found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
Threat: The Chinese pangolin is threatened foremost by poaching. Some people eat its meat, and its scales are used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Conservation Status: IUCN: CR | WPA: Schedule I

Chinese Pangolin found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.

Answer: (d) 1 and 3; Difficulty Level: Hard

2021, PYQs