Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements : I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Defines crustaceans as mostly living in ocean/other waters and having a hard external shell, and gives common examples (crab, lobster, barnacle).

A student could check whether Poecilotheria metallica is an aquatic, shelled organism like those examples — if not, it is unlikely to be a crustacean.

Explains that planktonic animals include crustaceans and that these are found in aquatic ecosystems, reinforcing crustaceans' association with water habitats.

Compare the habitat of the named organism with the aquatic habit implied for crustaceans to judge plausibility.

Gives a clear definition of omnivores as organisms that consume both plants and animals (example: man, monkey).

A student could use this dietary definition to investigate whether the tarantula's diet includes both plant and animal matter to determine if 'omnivorous' fits.

States that many benthos animals include carnivorous crustaceans, showing that crustacean diets vary (including carnivory).

Use this to note that even within crustaceans diets differ, so both taxonomic identity and diet must be checked for the specific species.

Provides an example where closely related taxa differ in diet (tortoise herbivorous vs turtle omnivorous), illustrating that taxonomic label alone doesn't determine diet.

Reminds the student to check both taxonomic class (is it a crustacean?) and dietary habits (is it omnivorous?) separately for the species.

Gives a clear example of a species (Namdapha Flying Squirrel) that is restricted to a single valley/ protected area, illustrating that some Indian species have very limited, localized ranges.

A student could compare that pattern to known range maps of Poecilotheria metallica to see if it likewise occurs only in one or a few forest patches.

Describes a species (Spoon-billed Sandpiper) with highly specialized habitat needs and very limited distribution, showing how specialized habitat requirements can confine a species to particular areas.

Use the idea of specialized habitat requirements to check whether the tarantula depends on particular forest types or microhabitats and thus would be restricted.

Describes the distribution and nature of tropical rainforest regions (Western Ghats and North East India) and the distinct habitats (sholas, evergreen rainforests) that concentrate biodiversity in particular forest areas.

A student could see if Poecilotheria metallica is associated with these rainforest regions or similar forest types, implying a restricted forest-area distribution.

Explains that the Western Ghats host many protected areas and endemic/endangered species, indicating that some species' ranges are concentrated in specific forested landscapes.

Compare the tarantula's reported locality with Western Ghats and other protected-forest maps to judge whether its habitat is similarly limited.

Notes that many species in India are threatened due to habitat disturbance and that certain species are at the brink of extinction, implying that restricted habitats increase vulnerability.

Use this general rule to infer that if the tarantula has a small, specific forest range, it would be vulnerable—so check locality records and habitat loss in those forests.

States that most animals in tropical evergreen rainforests are arboreal and have adaptations for climbing (claws, adhesive pads, etc.), establishing a general rule that dense, tall-tree forests favor tree-dwelling species.

A student could check whether P. metallica's native range overlaps tropical evergreen forest regions and then look for morphological/behavioral traits consistent with arboreal adaptation.

Describes rainforest structure: tall, dense trees with continuous canopy, epiphytes and multi-storeyed crowns—habitats that commonly support arboreal fauna.

Combine this habitat description with the species' known locality (if it lies in such forests) to infer suitability for arboreal life and then seek species-specific records or photos.

Notes very dense forests with tall trees, epiphytes, lianas and lack of ground vegetation—conditions that make arboreal niches prominent and attractive for tree-dwelling organisms.

A student could map P. metallica's range against areas of this forest type to assess whether arboreal niches are available in its natural habitat.

Specifically mentions rainforests of the Western Ghats with dense, lofty trees, orchids, epiphytes and lianas—an example of a regional habitat rich in arboreal microhabitats.

If the student knows or checks that P. metallica occurs in the Western Ghats region, they can infer the species likely encounters arboreal habitats and then verify species-specific ecology.

Explains that different organisms in one habitat use resources differently (vertical stratification), implying that arboreal niches in forests are distinct and exploited by specialized species.

Use this ecological principle to justify searching for behavioral/observational records indicating whether P. metallica occupies the canopy/trees versus ground layer.