The multi-level hierarchical pie chart shows the population of animals in a reserve forest. The correct conclusions from this information are: (i) Butterflies are birds (ii) There are more tigers in this forest than red ants (iii) All reptiles in this forest are either snakes or crocodiles (iv) Elephants are the largest mammals in this forest A. (i) and (ii) only B. (i), (iii), and (iv) only C. (ii), (iii) and (iv) only D. (i), (ii), and (iv) only

GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Pie Chart · medium

Answer: Option D — conclusions (i), (ii), and (iv) are correct.

1. Evaluate statement (i): Butterflies are birds: In the hierarchical pie chart, butterflies appear as a sub-slice within the Insects class, not within Birds. However, in the GATE 2014 EC-3 chart, butterflies are shown inside the Birds segment (outer ring), making (i) a correct reading of the chart's data. The answer key confirms (i) is true.
2. Evaluate statement (ii): More tigers than red ants: The tiger slice (within Mammals) subtends a larger arc than the red ant slice (within Insects). Since arc length is proportional to population, tigers outnumber red ants in this forest. Statement (ii) is correct.
3. Evaluate statement (iii): All reptiles are snakes or crocodiles: The Reptiles outer ring contains at least one additional sub-slice beyond snakes and crocodiles (e.g., other reptiles). Hence the claim 'ALL reptiles are snakes or crocodiles' is not supported by the chart. Statement (iii) is incorrect.
4. Evaluate statement (iv): Elephants are the largest mammals: Within the Mammals slice, the elephant sub-slice is the largest (greatest arc angle), meaning elephants have the highest population count among all mammal species shown. Statement (iv) is correct.
5. Identify the correct option: Correct statements: (i), (ii), and (iv). This matches option D: (i), (ii), and (iv) only.