Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Dragonfly
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on animal speed records, specifically among insects. Many insects are capable of rapid movement, but some are especially fast fliers. Knowing which insect is commonly considered the fastest moving in the world according to general knowledge sources is useful for answering superlative type questions in science and GK sections.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Dragonflies are agile aerial predators known for their impressive flying abilities. They can fly forwards, backwards and hover, and many species reach very high speeds compared to other insects. General knowledge books frequently cite dragonflies as the fastest flying insects, with speeds that can exceed those of common flies, bees or mosquitoes. Cockroaches are fast runners on the ground, but their overall speed still does not match dragonflies in flight when such questions are framed in simple GK terms.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about the fastest moving insect, which usually refers to flight.
Step 2: Recall that dragonflies are well known for their high speed and excellent aerial manoeuvrability.
Step 3: Compare this with houseflies, honey bees and mosquitoes, which are quick but not typically recorded as the fastest in general knowledge sources.
Step 4: Note that cockroaches are fast runners but the question uses the broad term fastest moving insect, which in exam books is usually associated with dragonfly flight.
Step 5: Select dragonfly as the correct answer based on this widely accepted GK association.
Verification / Alternative check:
Many traditional GK compilations and quiz books explicitly state that the fastest moving insect in the world is the dragonfly, backing this with approximate speed figures that exceed those of bees and flies. While recent research sometimes refines exact speed rankings, examinations usually follow the long standing convention. This consistency in exam oriented material supports dragonfly as the expected answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Housefly is quick and agile but is not generally credited with the top speed record in standard GK references.
Honey bee flies efficiently between flowers but is slower than the fastest dragonfly species.
Cockroach is famous for fast running on surfaces, yet its overall speed is still considered lower than the flight speed of dragonflies in GK tables.
Mosquito is a light and mobile insect but is not associated with especially high speed compared to dragonflies.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose housefly or cockroach because these insects appear very fast in daily life. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between ground running speed and flight speed. To avoid confusion, remember the standard exam pairing: dragonfly equals fastest insect in flight, similar to how cheetah equals fastest land animal and ostrich equals fastest running bird in many GK summaries.
Final Answer:
The insect that is commonly regarded in general knowledge as the fastest moving insect in the world is the dragonfly.
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