Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?

QUESTION

Hard

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2023

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:

How many of the above statements are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is not correct. Squirrels are generally small to medium-size rodents, but there are a few species that are giant in size like the Malabar giant squirrel and Malayan giant squirrel. Giant tree squirrels are the members of the squirrel family. They are arboreal species and live mostly on trees in the forest, but now also have adapted to human environments.
Statement 2 is correct. To prepare for colder months, squirrels cactch food during the spring and summer by gathering extra nuts. They bury the surplus in the area surrounding their nests, splitting it into different underground pantries to save for later.
Statement 3 is correct. While nuts and fruits make up a majority of its diet, the Indian sun squirrel will also eat insects, other smaller mammals, and reptiles.