SarkariPYQ

SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 84

SSC Stenographer - 10/12/2024 (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) • English • Q84

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In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Frogs are the amphibians. It indicates that they are (1)_______ of living both in water and on land. Frogs have long back legs that propel them into the air, making them excellent jumpers. A large portion of them have suckers on their fingers, which assist them with landing securely on tricky surfaces. They find quick bugs, with the (2)_______ of their long tacky tongues. Frogs do not all contain poison. When threatened by predators, some frogs use a venom that they have developed. The golden dart frog is the world’s most lethal frog. One frog’s skin has the potential to kill up to 1,000 people.
The normal frog contains a toxic substance, which it (3)_______ from its skin, when gone after. This poison affects both canines and felines. However, they rarely experience serious (4)______. Cane toads are extremely large toads that are laced with drugs. If taken, these drugs can result in hallucinations. Central and South America are home to the poison dart frogs. Because indigenous people use their toxic excretions to (5)______ the tips of arrows and blow darts, the frogs are frequently referred to as poison arrow frogs or poison dart frogs.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4, i.e. “poison.”

The sentence in context reads:

“…the frogs are frequently referred to as poison arrow frogs or poison dart frogs.”

It mentions how indigenous people use the frogs' toxic secretions to poison the tips of arrows and darts. This is directly confirmed by sources explaining the origin of their common name—for example:

“These amphibians are often called ‘dart frogs’ due to the Amerindians' indigenous use of their toxic secretions to poison the tips of blowdarts.” 

None of the other options fit this meaning; only “poison” accurately describes the action.