Q. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Exp) Option d is the correct answer.
Statement I is incorrect: The Peacock tarantula, also known as the Gooty tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica), is a spider, not a crustacean. It is an arachnid, specifically a tarantula species belonging to the family Theraphosidae. It’s native to deciduous forests in Andhra Pradesh, India, and is known for its vibrant blue color, which is also why it’s called the “peacock tarantula”.
Statement II is correct: The Gooty (Peacock) Tarantula’s natural habitat in India is limited to specific forest areas, primarily in the Eastern Ghats and degraded forests near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. This makes it a critically endangered species.
Statement III is correct: The Gooty tarantula is arboreal, meaning it lives in trees, as opposed to burrowing in the ground like some other tarantulas. In its forest habitat, it makes use of tree hollows and bark crevices.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/tracking–the-elusive—metallic-spider-46057
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