UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   Consider the following statements: Very ... Start Learning for Free
Consider the following statements:
Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas.
  • Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • a)
      1 only
    • b)
      2 only
    • c)
      Both 1 and 2
    • d)
      Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
    Most Upvoted Answer
    Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found ...
    Explanation:

    The correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only. Let's analyze each statement:

    Statement 1: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas.

    This statement is incorrect. While it is true that smaller animals have a larger surface area to volume ratio, which can increase heat loss, it does not necessarily mean that very small animals are found primarily in polar regions. The distribution of animals is influenced by various factors such as food availability, competition, and environmental conditions. Polar regions are characterized by extreme cold temperatures, and while some small animals may have adaptations to survive in such environments, their presence is not solely determined by their surface area to volume ratio.

    Statement 2: Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature.

    This statement is correct. Mammals are endothermic animals, meaning they can generate and regulate their body heat internally. This ability to maintain a stable body temperature allows mammals to survive in diverse ecosystems, including polar regions and deserts. In polar regions, mammals have adaptations such as thick fur, blubber, and small extremities to minimize heat loss. In deserts, mammals have adaptations such as efficient water conservation mechanisms, nocturnal behavior, and tolerance to high temperatures. These adaptations enable mammals to thrive in extreme environments and maintain their body temperature within a narrow range.

    In conclusion, only statement 2 is correct. Very small animals are not found primarily in polar regions due to their smaller surface area. Mammals, on the other hand, are able to survive in both polar and desert ecosystems because they can maintain a stable body temperature.
    Free Test
    Community Answer
    Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found ...
    • Statement 1 is not correct: Thermoregulation is energetically expensive for many organisms. This is particularly true for small animals like shrews and humming birds. Heat loss or heat gain is a function of surface area. Since small animals have a larger surface area relative to their volume, they tend to lose body heat very fast when it is cold outside; then they have to expend much energy to generate body heat through metabolism. This is the main reason why very small animals are rarely found in polar regions.
    • Statement 2 is correct: Some organisms are able to maintain homeostasis by physiological (sometimes behavioural also) means which ensures constant body temperature, constant osmotic concentration, etc. All birds and mammals, and a very few lower vertebrate and invertebrate species are indeed capable of such regulation (thermoregulation and osmoregulation). Evolutionary biologists believe that the ‘success’ of mammals is largely due to their ability to maintain constant body temperature and thrive whether they live in Antarctica or in the Sahara desert.
    Explore Courses for UPSC exam

    Similar UPSC Doubts

    Top Courses for UPSC

    Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
    Question Description
    Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
    Solutions for Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
    Here you can find the meaning of Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Consider the following statements: Very small animals are found primarily in polar regions because they lose less heat owing to smaller surface areas. Mammals are able to survive both in polar and desert ecosystems because they maintain stable body temperature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
    Explore Courses for UPSC exam

    Top Courses for UPSC

    Explore Courses
    Signup for Free!
    Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
    10M+ students study on EduRev