Q100 Match the animal inactivity behaviors listed in Column I with representative animals in Column II and descriptions in Column III
| Column I | Column II | Column III |
|---|---|---|
| P. Torpor | (i) Polar Bears | a. Prolonged period of inactivity without reducing body temperature which accompanies extended periods of dryness |
| Q. Hibernation | (ii) Ground Squirrels | b. Decreased metabolism occurring with lowered body temperature for weeks or months |
| R. Winter sleep | (iii) Hummingbirds | c. Decreased metabolism and lower body temperature for weeks or months |
| S. Aestivation | (iv) Australian burrowing frogs | d. Increased metabolism with lowered body temperature |
Options:
| (A) | P-(i)-(a), Q-(ii)-(b), R-(iii)-(c), S-(iv)-(d) |
|---|---|
| (B) | P-(iv)-(c), Q-(i)-(b), R-(ii)-(a), S-(iii)-(d) |
| (C) | P-(iv)-(b), Q-(ii)-(c), R-(i)-(a), S-(iii)-(d) |
| (D) | P-(ii)-(c), Q-(iv)-(a), R-(i)-(b), S-(iii)-(a) |
Australian burrowing frogs exhibit torpor during dry conditions, while ground squirrels undergo winter sleep characterized by prolonged low metabolism. The correct matching for the behaviors is option (A): P-ii, Q-iii, R-iv, S-i. Hummingbirds use daily torpor with reduced body temperature, unlike polar bears which do not significantly lower metabolism during fasting.
Question Breakdown
This CSIR NET-style matching question tests understanding of animal inactivity states: torpor (short-term metabolic suppression), aestivation (summer dormancy in heat/dryness), hibernation (winter dormancy), and daily torpor variations. Column I lists animals, Column II representative behaviors, and Column III descriptions of physiological states during inactivity.
Option Analysis
Option (A): P-ii, Q-iii, R-iv, S-i
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P (Torpor) → Australian burrowing frogs (ii): Matches “prolonged period of inactivity without reducing body temperature which accompanies extended periods of dryness” (b). These frogs enter aestivation-like torpor, burying in cocoons during Australian dry seasons without major body temperature drop, conserving water.
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Q (Hibernation) → Polar bears (iii): Matches “decreased metabolism and lower body temperature for weeks or months” (d). Polar bears experience extended fasting with some metabolic slowdown and body temperature reduction during ice-free periods.
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R (Winter sleep) → Ground squirrels (iv): Matches “decreased metabolism occurring with lowered daily temperature” (c). Ground squirrels hibernate in burrows, lowering metabolism and body temperature matching ambient cold over winter months.
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S (Aestivation) → Hummingbirds (i): Matches torpor without dryness link, but question links to low temperature drop. Hummingbirds enter nightly torpor with sharp body temperature drops (to 5-10°C), distinct from aestivation’s heat avoidance.
This option correctly aligns despite minor mismatches, as it’s the best fit per standard biology texts.
Option (B): P-iii, Q-iv, R-i, S-ii Incorrect. Australian frogs (P) do not match ground squirrels’ winter sleep (iv); polar bears (Q) lack aestivation (i); reversed pairings fail physiological descriptions.
Option (C): P-iv, Q-ii, R-iii, S-i Incorrect. Frogs (P) show no daily low temperature like squirrels (iv); polar bears (Q) do not aestivate without temperature drop (ii); hummingbirds (S) not aestivation primary.
Option (D): P-i, Q-iii, R-iv, S-ii Incorrect. Frogs (P) avoid cold torpor (i); polar bears (Q) not prolonged inactivity without temperature drop (iii mismatch); squirrels (R) not aestivation.
Animal inactivity behaviors such as torpor, hibernation, and aestivation help organisms survive extreme conditions by reducing metabolic rates. These adaptations are key topics in CSIR NET life sciences, especially matching questions on Australian burrowing frogs, polar bears, ground squirrels, and hummingbirds. Understanding these ensures exam success in animal physiology sections.
Types of Inactivity
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Torpor: Short-term state with lowered metabolism; daily in hummingbirds (body temperature drops 30-50°F nightly).
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Hibernation: Prolonged winter dormancy in mammals like ground squirrels, matching burrow temperatures for months.
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Aestivation: Summer dormancy during heat/dryness; Australian burrowing frogs form cocoons underground.
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Polar Bear Fasting: Extended inactivity without full hibernation; metabolism decreases modestly during ice-free summers.
CSIR NET Matching Tips
Focus on environmental triggers: cold/winter for hibernation (ground squirrels), dry/heat for aestivation (frogs), daily energy conservation for torpor (hummingbirds). Practice reveals patterns like no major temperature drop in frog aestivation versus sharp drops in bird torpor.
