Consider the following fauna : 1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

Correct Option The correct option is Only one Explanation The activity patterns of wildlife species - whether diurnal, nocturnal, or crepuscular - are determined by their ecological adaptations, predator avoidance strategies, and feeding behaviour. Statement-wise Analysis - Lion-tailed Macaque - Diurnal (Not nocturnal): The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), endemic to the Western Ghats of India, is strictly diurnal. It forages and socialises during daylight hours in the rainforest canopy and rests at night. It does not qualify as nocturnal or most active after sunset. - Malabar Civet - Nocturnal (Active after sunset): The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina), a critically endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats, is nocturnal in nature. It is most active after sunset, emerging at night to hunt and forage. This is the only species among the three that qualifies as nocturnal. - Sambar Deer - Diurnal/Crepuscular (Not strictly nocturnal): While Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) may show some crepuscular activity, they are not classified as strictly nocturnal or most active after sunset. Their activity patterns are more variable and they are commonly observed during daylight hours as well. Key Takeaway: Among the three fauna listed, only the Malabar Civet is strictly nocturnal and most active after sunset. The Lion-tailed Macaque is diurnal and the Sambar Deer is not classified as predominantly nocturnal - making only one of the three qualify.

IAS 2023 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2023mcqhard

Consider the following fauna :

Lion-tailed Macaque
Malabar Civet
Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
DNone

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is Only one

Explanation

The activity patterns of wildlife species - whether diurnal, nocturnal, or crepuscular - are determined by their ecological adaptations, predator avoidance strategies, and feeding behaviour.

Statement-wise Analysis

Lion-tailed Macaque - Diurnal (Not nocturnal): The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), endemic to the Western Ghats of India, is strictly diurnal. It forages and socialises during daylight hours in the rainforest canopy and rests at night. It does not qualify as nocturnal or most active after sunset.
Malabar Civet - Nocturnal (Active after sunset): The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina), a critically endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats, is nocturnal in nature. It is most active after sunset, emerging at night to hunt and forage. This is the only species among the three that qualifies as nocturnal.
Sambar Deer - Diurnal/Crepuscular (Not strictly nocturnal): While Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) may show some crepuscular activity, they are not classified as strictly nocturnal or most active after sunset. Their activity patterns are more variable and they are commonly observed during daylight hours as well.

Key Takeaway: Among the three fauna listed, only the Malabar Civet is strictly nocturnal and most active after sunset. The Lion-tailed Macaque is diurnal and the Sambar Deer is not classified as predominantly nocturnal - making only one of the three qualify.

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