Microtheme: Flagship SpeciesXCharacteristics —
14 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
   2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
   3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 1 and 2
   • (c) 2 and 3
   • (d) 3 only
   Correct Answer: (B) 1 and 2
2. [2024] Consider the following:
   1. Butterflies
   2. Fish
   3. Frogs
   How many of the above have poisonous species among them?
   • (a) Only one
   • (b) Only two
   • (c) All three*
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (C) All three*
3. [2024] Consider the following statements:
   1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
   2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
   3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only*
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only*
4. [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?
   • (a) Only one
   • (b) Only two
   • (c) All three
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (B) Only two
5. [2022] Which of the following is not a bird?
   • (a) Golden Mahseer
   • (b) Indian Nightjar
   • (c) Spoonbill
   • (d) White Ibis
   Correct Answer: (A) Golden Mahseer
6. [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
   1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
   2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
   3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
   4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 4 only
   • (c) 3 only
   • (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
7. [2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
   1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
   2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
   3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
8. [2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
   • (a) algae and bacteria
   • (b) algae and fungi
   • (c) bacteria and fungi
   • (d) fungi and mosses
   Correct Answer: (B) algae and fungi
9. [2014] Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganga River Dolphins?
   1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers.
   2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers.
   3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally.
   4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of
   rivers.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
   Correct Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 4 only
10. [2012] Consider the following kinds of organisms:
    1. Bat
    2. Bee
    3. Bird
    Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?
    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
11. [2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest ?
    • (a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
    • (b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
    • (c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
    • (d) It is a large, cold blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season.
    Correct Answer: (C) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
12. [2009] In making the saffron spice, which one of the following parts of the plant is used ?
    • (a) Loaf
    • (b) Petal
    • (c) Sepal
    • (d) Stigma
    Correct Answer: (D) Stigma
13. [2009] The Panda belongs to the same family as that of
    • (a) Bear
    • (b) Cat
    • (c) Dog
    • (d) Rabbit
    Correct Answer: (A) Bear
14. [2008] Among the following, which one is not an ape?
    • (a) Gibbon
    • (b) Gorilla
    • (c) Langur
    • (d) Orangutan
    Correct Answer: (C) Langur