Q18 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Consider the following statements:1.Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.2.Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.3.Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below3.How many of the above statements are correct?

A Only one
B Only two
C All three
D None

Correct answer: (c) All three

Explanation

  1. A

    Only one

    Only one. Extremophiles cover heat, cold and acid.

  2. B

    Only two

    Only two. All three habitats have microbes.

  3. C

    All three

    All three. Hyperthermophiles above 100 °C, psychrophiles below 0 °C, acidophiles below pH 3.

  4. D

    None

    None. Each statement is standard microbiology.

Summary. Official key is (c) all three. Pyrococcus and similar archaea grow above the boiling point (under pressure). Psychrophiles grow in sea ice. Acidithiobacillus and Picrophilus grow below pH 3. All three statements hold.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2017 · Q14 · General Studies · 2 marks

    In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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  2. 2025 · Q29 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Consider the following statements: I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature. III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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