Consider the following statements:

Some species of turtles are herbivores.

Some species of fish are herbivores.

Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.

Some species of snakes are viviparous.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)

Question

The correct answer is [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Turtles (Statement 1 – Correct): While many turtles are omnivorous, some species are primarily herbivorous. For example, the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a well-known herbivore that feeds mainly on seagrasses and algae as an adult.
Fish (Statement 2 – Correct): There are numerous species of herbivorous fish, particularly in coral reef ecosystems. Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, and certain species of Tilapia consume algae and aquatic plants as their primary food source.
Marine Mammals (Statement 3 – Correct): The order Sirenia, which includes Dugongs (Sea Cows) and Manatees, consists of the only strictly herbivorous marine mammals. They graze on underwater seagrasses.
Snakes (Statement 4 – Correct): While most snakes lay eggs (oviparous), several species are viviparous (giving birth to live young). This is common in certain vipers, such as the Green Anaconda and the Common Boa, as well as many species of sea snakes.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4 The correct answer is [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Turtles (Statement 1 – Correct): While many turtles are omnivorous, some species are primarily herbivorous. For example, the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a well-known herbivore that feeds mainly on seagrasses and algae as an adult.
Fish (Statement 2 – Correct): There are numerous species of herbivorous fish, particularly in coral reef ecosystems. Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, and certain species of Tilapia consume algae and aquatic plants as their primary food source.
Marine Mammals (Statement 3 – Correct): The order Sirenia, which includes Dugongs (Sea Cows) and Manatees, consists of the only strictly herbivorous marine mammals. They graze on underwater seagrasses.
Snakes (Statement 4 – Correct): While most snakes lay eggs (oviparous), several species are viviparous (giving birth to live young). This is common in certain vipers, such as the Green Anaconda and the Common Boa, as well as many species of sea snakes.

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