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Q1Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2025
Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
1. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
2. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
3. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B1 and 3
- C2 only
- D2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. The Gooty tarantula is an arachnid (not a crustacean, so statement 1 is wrong). It is found only in a small forest area near Gooty in Andhra Pradesh (statement 2) and is arboreal, living in tree hollows (statement 3).
Q2Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2023
Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
- AOnly oneCorrect
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Explanation
Correct. Among the three, only the Malabar Civet is primarily nocturnal. The Lion-tailed Macaque is diurnal (active during the day), and the Sambar Deer is mostly crepuscular but not strictly nocturnal.
Q3Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2022
Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
- AAntCorrect
- BCockroach
- CCrab
- DSpider
Explanation
Correct. Leaf-cutter ants (tribe Attini) and some termites are famous for cultivating fungus gardens. They harvest plant material to grow specific fungi as their primary food source.
Q4Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2021
Consider the following animals:
1. Hedgehog
2. Marmot
3. Pangolin
To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up and protects its vulnerable parts?
- A1 and 2
- B2 only
- C3 only
- D1 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. Both hedgehogs and pangolins roll into a ball when threatened. Hedgehogs expose their sharp spines, and pangolins present their tough keratin scales. Marmots escape by running into burrows.
Q5Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2018
Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?
- AIts extract is widely used in cosmetics.
- BIt tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.Correct
- CIts extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
- DNone of the above
Explanation
Correct. Prosopis juliflora is an aggressive invasive species originally from Central and South America. It outcompetes native vegetation, depletes groundwater, and reduces local biodiversity wherever it spreads.
Q6Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2016
With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 onlyCorrect
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. However, it grows in dry deciduous forests, not in tropical rain forests, making statement 2 incorrect.
Q7Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2016
Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
- AAndaman IslandsCorrect
- BAnaimalai Forests
- CMaikala Hills
- DTropical rain forests of northeast
Explanation
Correct. Musa indandamanensis, a wild banana species with orange pulp reaching about 11 metres, was discovered in the Andaman Islands by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India.
Q8Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2014
With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B3 only
- C1 and 3 onlyCorrect
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct. Neem oil contains azadirachtin, which is an effective biopesticide (statement 1). Neem also has proven pharmaceutical applications including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties (statement 3). Statement 2 is incorrect.
Q9Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2013
Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which among the above is/are endangered?
- A1 and 2 only
- B3 only
- C1, 2 and 3Correct
- DNone
Explanation
Correct. The Gharial is Critically Endangered, the Leatherback turtle is Vulnerable, and the Swamp deer is Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. All three are in threatened categories.
Q10Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2012
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
- AGreat Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild AssCorrect
- BKashmir Stag, Cheetah, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
- CSnow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Sarus Crane
- DLion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Explanation
Correct. Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered), Musk Deer (Endangered), Red Panda (Endangered) and Asiatic Wild Ass (Near Threatened but protected under Schedule I) are all threatened species.
Q11Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2011
The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
- AIt has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
- BIt is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.Correct
- CExotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
- DIt has less human interference.
Explanation
Correct. The Himalayas lie at the junction of the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan biogeographical zones, creating a convergence of species from different evolutionary lineages and altitudinal gradients that support exceptional diversity.
Q12Environment·Species Status, IUCN and EndemismPYQ 2011
Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
- ABiosphere reserve
- BBotanical gardenCorrect
- CNational park
- DWildlife sanctuary
Explanation
Correct. Botanical gardens are ex-situ conservation facilities where plants are maintained outside their natural habitats for research, education and preservation of genetic material.