Correct Option (b):
Statement 2 is correct. Indian squirrels exhibit a caching behavior, storing food items such as nuts and seeds in the ground or in tree crevices. This behavior serves as an adaptation to ensure food availability during periods of scarcity.
Statement 3 is correct. Indian squirrels are omnivorous. While their primary diet consists of plant matter like fruits, seeds, and nuts, they are also known to consume insects, small reptiles, and bird eggs when available.
Incorrect Options:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Indian squirrels, particularly common species like the Indian palm squirrel, typically construct nests (dreys) in trees using leaves, twigs, and other plant materials. They do not build burrows in the ground. Burrowing is generally characteristic of other rodent species or ground-dwelling animals.
Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect because two of the given statements (2 and 3) are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.