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?
Explanation:
Statement I: The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is an arachnid (a type of spider), not a crustacean. Crustaceans belong to a different subphylum of arthropods. Furthermore, tarantulas are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects and small vertebrates, not omnivorous. Thus, this statement is incorrect. Statement II: The Gooty tarantula (*Poecilotheria metallica*) is critically endangered and endemic to a very specific, limited forest area in Andhra Pradesh, India. Its natural habitat is indeed restricted to certain forest patches. This statement is correct. Statement III: The Gooty tarantula is an arboreal species, meaning it lives in trees. It typically inhabits tree holes and crevices in its natural forest habitat. This statement is correct. Explanation: Statements II and III are correct, while Statement I is incorrect. Therefore, the correct combination is II and III.