UPSC Prelims 2009 Q74: Science & Technology – Biology

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Science & Technology

In the context of Indian wild life, the flying fox is a

Answer: (a) Bat

Explanation

What the "flying fox" is in Indian wildlife

Despite its name suggesting a mammal of a different kind, this creature belongs to a specific, flying order.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Bat	Correct	The 'flying fox' is actually a large species of fruit bat, named for its fox-like facial features
(b) Kite	Incorrect	Kites are birds of prey, unrelated to the flying fox
(c) Stork	Incorrect	Storks are wading birds, unrelated to the flying fox
(d) Vulture	Incorrect	Vultures are scavenging birds, unrelated to the flying fox

Flying fox facts:

Point	Detail
Actual classification	Large fruit bat
Name origin	Fox-like facial features

Answer: (a) Bat.

(a) CORRECT. The 'flying fox' is actually a species of large fruit bat.
(b) Incorrect. Kites are unrelated birds of prey.
(c) Incorrect. Storks are unrelated wading birds.
(d) Incorrect. Vultures are unrelated scavenging birds.

The 'flying fox' is actually a large fruit BAT, named for its fox-like face — not a bird of any kind.

The 'flying fox' is a bat (a large fruit bat species).

Taking the name 'flying fox' literally and assuming it's a bird or fox-related creature.
Not knowing fruit bats' distinctive fox-like facial appearance, which gives this species its name.
Confusing it with various bird species known for flight.

'Flying fox' = a large fruit bat, named for its fox-like face — not a bird. A classic misleading-name trivia fact.