Question

The carnivorous fish Gambusia, introduced in the lakes, ponds, etc., control a deadly disease in India, feeds on the larvae of

• A. Nepenthes
• B. Dragonfly
• C. Anopheles
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Anopheles

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option

1. Gambusia affinis is a native fish of the United States' coastal waters from New Jersey to Florida.
2. It was brought to India through Italy and Thailand about 40 years ago.
3. Freshwater, saltwater, and marshlands with high salinity are all possible habitats.
4. It eats insects from both the water and the land.
5. It is also called Mosquito fish because it is a single predatory fish that can swallow enough Anopheles mosquito larvae each day almost equal to its own weight.

Explanation of incorrect options

Option A:

1. Nepenthes is also known as the monkey cup or pitcher plant.
2. Although some Nepenthes species are epiphytes, they are perennial herbs that grow in a very acidic environment.
3. These are carnivorous plants that use modified pitcher-shaped leaves as silent pitfall traps to catch insects and other prey.

Option B:

1. Devil's arrow is another name for dragonfly.
2. These aerial predatory insects are most typically found near freshwater areas.
3. They have long bodies with two thin pairs of elaborately veined, membranous and transparent wings which may have colourful markings.

Final Answer: The carnivorous fish Gambusia, introduced in the lakes, ponds, etc., control a deadly disease in India, feeds on the larvae of Anopheles.