Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
- A
1 only
(a) 1 only. Butterflies are pollinators, so statement 1 is true, but they are also prey for wasps, spiders and birds, so 3 is true as well. 1 only is incomplete.
- B
2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only. Statement 2 — a drastic rise in fungal infections of crops solely from fewer butterflies — is not a direct ecological consequence. Not the key.
- C
1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only. Loss of butterflies can cut pollination of butterfly-visited plants and can shrink predators that eat them. Fungal epidemics are not a necessary follow-on. This is the official key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3. The fungal claim is the extra, unsupported leap.
Summary. Official key is (c) 1 and 3 only. Many wild and cultivated plants depend in part on butterfly (and moth) pollination. Butterflies sit in food webs as prey, so wasps, spiders and insectivorous birds can decline if that prey collapses. A drastic increase in crop fungal disease is not a standard, direct result of butterfly loss. Bees remain the larger pollination story; this question isolates butterflies.
PYQ trend
When UPSC asked this
Related PYQs from other years, newest first. Open a question to read it.
-
2022 · Q48 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants? 1. Alfalfa 2. Amarnath 3. Chickpea 4. Clover 5. Purslane (Kulfa) 6. Spinach Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2021 · Q17 · General Studies · 2 marks
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment. 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment. 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2021 · Q20 · General Studies · 2 marks
In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? 1. Fern 2. Lichen 3. Moss 4. Mushroom Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2021 · Q25 · General Studies · 2 marks
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2021 · Q30 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi 3. Protozoa Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2018 · Q81 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in river beds? 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2015 · Q11 · General Studies · 2 marks
What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground water can occur. Select the correct answer using the codes given below -
2015 · Q12 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource (IUCN) and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments. 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments. 3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws. Select the correct answer using the codes given below