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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2008
Health & Medicine
Question No. 418Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q418. Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly?

Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2008 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (A) — Echidna

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Echidna (spiny anteater) and the Platypus are monotremes (Order Monotremata), the only living mammals that are oviparous (egg-laying). After the eggs hatch, the young feed on milk secreted from modified mammary glands that open directly onto the skin.
  • Kangaroo is a marsupial (metatherian) giving live birth to altricial young that complete development in the maternal pouch.
  • Porcupine and Whale are eutherian (placental) mammals that produce fully developed live young.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Monotremes are the only egg-laying mammals, with Platypus and Echidna being the prime representatives.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2008 (Q418)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (A) — Echidna

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2008 Q418

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2008 GS Paper I Question 418 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2008 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (A): "Echidna". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2008 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Monotremes are the only egglaying mammals, with Platypus and Echidna being the prime representatives.

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