Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct Answer: Option B
Squirrels are typically small to medium-sized rodents. Some species, such as the Malabar giant squirrel and Malayan giant squirrel, are significantly larger.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Most squirrels, especially giant tree squirrels, are arboreal. They primarily live in trees and have adapted to human environments rather than building nests in the ground.
Statement 2 is correct: Squirrels cache food, such as nuts and seeds, during the spring and summer in preparation for colder months. They bury these surpluses in underground caches surrounding their nests to save for later.
Statement 3 is correct: While their diet mainly consists of nuts and fruits, Indian squirrels are omnivorous. They also consume insects, smaller mammals, and reptiles.
Hence, only two statements are correct.