Consider the following:ButterfliesFishFrogsHow many of the above have poisonous species among them?

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2024 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2024 question covers Wildlife Conservation – Endangered Species & IUCN Red List topic.

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This UPSC Prelims 2024 Environment & Ecology question has a medium difficulty level.

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Question

Consider the following:ButterfliesFishFrogsHow many of the above have poisonous species among them?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C  All threeStep-by-step Solution:An important distinction: Poisonous organisms deliver toxins passively (when touched or eaten); Venomous organisms actively inject toxins (through bites, stings, spines). All three groups contain poisonous species:Butterflies  Poisonous species exist: Yes. Several butterfly species are poisonous. The most notable example is the African Giant Swallowtail (Papilio antimachus)  considered the world's most poisonous butterfly. Its body contains cardiac steroid toxins (similar to those in toxic plants they feed on as caterpillars). The toxin in a single male Papilio antimachus is enough to poison 20 cats. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) sequester cardiac glycosides from milkweed plants, making them toxic to birds. ✓Fish  Poisonous species exist: Yes. Several fish species are poisonous or venomous. The Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is the world's most venomous fish, with 13 dorsal spines that can inject lethal venom. Pufferfish (Fugu) contain tetrodotoxin (TTX)  one of the most potent neurotoxins  making them poisonous to eat if improperly prepared. Many other species (lionfish, scorpionfish, stingrays) are also venomous or poisonous. ✓Frogs  Poisonous species exist: Yes. Many frog species are well-known for their toxicity. Poison dart frogs (family Dendrobatidae  South America) are among the most toxic animals on Earth  their skin secretions contain alkaloids potent enough to kill humans. Two Brazilian frog species  Bruno's casque-headed frog (Aparasphenodon brunoi) and Greening's frog (Corythomantis greeningi)  are actually venomous (they have bony spines that inject toxin when the frog headbutts a predator). ✓Why other options are incorrect:Options A, B: Undercount  all three groups contain poisonous or venomous species.Option D (None): Entirely incorrect  all three groups are well-documented to contain toxic species.Key Concept: Poison vs Venom: Poison: Delivered passively  organism is harmful when touched or ingested; Examples: Poison dart frogs, toxic butterflies, toxic pufferfish flesh, toxic mushrooms. Venom: Delivered actively through a specialised delivery mechanism (fangs, stingers, spines); Examples: Cobras, stonefish, box jellyfish, bees. Some organisms are both: Platypus (males have venomous ankle spurs); Slow loris (venomous primate). Aposematism: Bright warning colouration (red, orange, yellow, black) in toxic animals to deter predators; Examples: Monarch butterfly, poison dart frogs, poison arrow frogs. Batesian mimicry: Non-toxic species evolve to resemble toxic species; Example: Viceroy butterfly mimics Monarch. Müllerian mimicry: Multiple toxic species converge on the same warning colouration; Example: Multiple poison dart frog species with similar patterns. India's toxic fauna: Indian cobra (Naja naja), King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus)  Big Four venomous snakes responsible for most snakebite deaths in India.

Consider the following:ButterfliesFishFrogsHow many of the above have poisonous species among them?

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Consider the following:ButterfliesFishFrogsHow many of the above have poisonous species among them?

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Wildlife Conservation – Endangered Species & IUCN Red List

Frequently Asked Questions