Farmers are told to let some animals and birds live around their fields because they help in controlling pests. Which one of the following is the odd one out in this respect?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Earthworms
Under biopest control, some animals and birds are allowed to live near fields because they prey upon pests: snakes eat rats and mice, and owls and peacocks eat vermin.
Earthworms do a different job. They turn organic matter into compost faster, so they belong to biocomposting.
NCERT (2026-27): “7.5 Strategies for Sustainable Development … In addition, awareness is spreading about various animals and birds which help in controlling pests. For example, snakes are one of the prime group of animals which prey upon rats, mice and various other pests. Similarly, large varieties of birds, for example, owls and peacocks, prey upon vermin and pests. If these are allowed to dwell around the agricultural areas, they can clear large varieties of pests including insects. …” “… Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process. …” |