Prelims 2024

Q. Consider the following:
1. Carabid beetles
2. Centipedes
3. Flies
4. Termites
5. Wasps

Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Correct answer: (a) Only two

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper

Explanation : 

Parasitoid species

1. Carabid beetles – Most are predatory, but some species are parasitoids (like Brachinus species)

2. Centipedes – These are predators, not parasitoids

3. Flies – Many parasitoid species exist among flies (particularly in families like Tachinidae)

4. Termites – These are social insects that feed on wood/cellulose, not parasitoids

5. Wasps – Many parasitoid species exist among wasps (like Ichneumonidae, Braconidae)

So, parasitoids are found in:
– Carabid beetles ✓
– Flies ✓
– Wasps ✓

Therefore, the answer is (b) Only three.

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