UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Which of the following characteristics is sha... Start Learning for Free
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?
  • a)
    They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
  • b)
    They are part of a detritus food chain.
  • c)
    They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.
  • d)
    They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Mill...
  • Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, the raw material for decomposition.
  • The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It comprises decomposers, which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs (sapro: to decompose).
  • Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that break down dead and waste materials into simple, inorganic materials that they absorb. Detritivorous animals include millipedes, springtails, woodlice, dung flies, slugs, terrestrial worms, sea stars, sea cucumbers, fiddler crabs, and some sedentary polychaetes such as worms of the family Terebellidae.
So, Option (b) is correct.
Free Test
Community Answer
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Mill...
Detritus Food Chain in Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug
- One characteristic shared by Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug that distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups is that they are part of a detritus food chain.
- Detritus is dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, wood, and dead animals. Organisms that feed on detritus are called detritivores, and they play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
- Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug are detritivores that feed on decaying plant material or dead organisms, contributing to the decomposition process in their respective habitats.
- By being part of the detritus food chain, these organisms help to break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
- This unique feeding behavior sets them apart from other members of their taxonomic groups and highlights their ecological importance in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes.

In conclusion, the shared characteristic of being part of the detritus food chain distinguishes Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups and highlights their role in ecosystem functioning.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct 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 Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Which of the following characteristics is shared by the Woodlice, Millipedes, Fiddler crab, and Slug and distinguishes them from most other members of their respective taxonomic groups?a)They possess a unique respiratory system that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.b)They are part of a detritus food chain.c)They exhibit bioluminescence as a means of communication or defense.d)They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
Signup to solve all Doubts
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev