Consider the following features of a deer living in forests and grasslands: 1. Strong teeth for chewing hard plant stems. 2. They have very small ears which restrict their hearing ability. 3. Eyes on the side of the head. Which of the above features help the deer to detect and escape from predators?

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 4: The living organisms - characteristics and habitats

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Consider the following features of a deer living in forests and grasslands:

Strong teeth for chewing hard plant stems.
They have very small ears which restrict their hearing ability.
Eyes on the side of the head.

Which of the above features help the deer to detect and escape from predators?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Adaptations in prey animals, such as deer, are evolutionarily designed to enhance survival in forest and grassland habitats. These features specifically aid in feeding efficiency and the early detection of predators.

Statement 1 is Correct (as a feature): Deer possess strong teeth specifically adapted for chewing hard plant stems. While the primary function of this feature is nutrition (herbivory), it is a fundamental physical characteristic of the deer that supports its overall survival in the wild.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Deer have long ears, not small ears. Long ears are a critical adaptation that enables them to hear even the slightest movements of predators. Restricting hearing ability through small ears would be detrimental to their survival.

Statement 3 is Correct: The placement of eyes on the sides of the head provides a wide field of vision. This allows the deer to look in all directions simultaneously to detect danger, which is essential for escaping predators.

Conclusion: Since Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the morphology of a deer, options (a), (b), and (d) are eliminated. Option (c) remains as the correct answer.

Key Takeaway: Prey animals typically possess lateral eyes for a panoramic field of view and acute hearing (long ears) to detect danger, whereas predators often have frontal eyes for depth perception.

Your note

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Conclusion: Since Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the morphology of a deer, options (a), (b), and (d) are eliminated. Option (c) remains as the correct answer.