UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:

The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are

Explanation:

• Froghopper is any of numerous species of small hopping insects worldwide in distribution, that produce a frothy substance known as spittle. 
  
  
• Cicadas are members of the superfamily Cicadoidea and are physically distinguished by their stout bodies, broad heads, clear-membraned wings, and large compound eyes. Cicadas are famous for their penchant for disappearing entirely for many years, only to reappear in force at regular intervals. The cicadas’ amazing lifestyle has been a source of fascination since ancient times. Several cultures regarded these insects as powerful symbols of rebirth due to their unusual life cycles.
  
  
• The pond skater is a small, thin black-brown insect. They have small heads and relatively large eyes. Pond skaters use their long thin legs to propel their bodies across the water. The middle legs are used to propel the insect’s body forward and the back legs are used for steering. The pond skaters’ sharp mouth parts and their smallest set of limbs are used to prey on small insects found on the surface of the water.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Plant and Animal Anatomy