Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels.
They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
They are omnivorous.
How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Only one
Only two
All three
None of these
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Correct answer: (b) Only two
Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect
In the context of this question, Indian palm squirrels are primarily arboreal.
They do not ordinarily construct their nests by digging burrows in the ground.
They construct spherical or dome-shaped nests on tree branches and may also use hollow trees and abandoned cavities.
Leaves, twigs, shredded bark, moss and other soft materials are used in nest construction.
Thus, ground-burrowing is not their usual nesting behaviour.
Statement 2 is correct
Squirrels hide food items such as nuts and seeds at several separate locations. This behaviour is called scatter-hoarding.
Burying food in soil allows it to be used later during periods of scarcity.
Squirrels use spatial memory and surrounding landmarks to relocate their caches.
Seeds that are not retrieved may germinate under favourable conditions. Therefore, caching can contribute to seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Statement 3 is correct
Indian palm squirrels are omnivorous, not exclusively herbivorous.
Their diet includes fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers and other plant material.
They may also consume insects, larvae, birds’ eggs and occasionally small birds.
Since they consume both plant and animal matter, they are classified as omnivores.
Key examination trap: Storing food in the ground and constructing a nest in the ground are different behaviours. Indian squirrels may bury food, but they ordinarily construct nests in trees.
Therefore, only two statements—2 and 3—are correct.