Microtheme: SpeciesXPlants —
22 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):
   1. It is an epiphytic orchid.
   2. The species is endemic to North-east India.
   3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 1 and 3
   • (c) 2 and 3
   • (d) 3 only
   Correct Answer: (B) 1 and 3
2. [2024] Consider the following:
   1. Cashew
   2. Papaya
   3. Red sanders
   How many of the above trees are actually native to India?
   • (a) Only one*
   • (b) Only two
   • (c) All three
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (A) Only one*
3. [2023] Consider the following trees :
   1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
   2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
   3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
   How many of the above are deciduous trees?
   • (a) Only one
   • (b) Only two
   • (c) All three
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (B) Only two
4. [2022] With reference to ‘Gucchi’ sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements :
   1. It is a fungus
   2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas
   3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India
   Which of the statements given above is correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 2
   • (d) 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 2
5. [2022] Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
   1. Alfalfa
   2. Amaranth
   3. Chickpea
   4. Clover
   5. Puslane (Kulfa)
   6. Spinach
   Select the correct answer using the code given below
   • (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
   • (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
   • (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
   • (d) 1,2,4,5 and 6
   Correct Answer: (A) 1, 3 and 4 only
6. [2021] Consider the following statements:
   1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
   2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
   3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
   4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
   5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   • (a) 1, 2, 4, and 5
   • (b) 3, 4, and 5
   • (c) 1, 3, and 4
   • (d) 1, 2, 3, and 5
   Correct Answer: (B) 3, 4, and 5
7. [2021] In 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:
   • (a) 1 and 4 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 2 and 3
   • (d) 1, 3, and 4
   Correct Answer: (C) 2 and 3
8. [2021] Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?
   • (a) Congress grass
   • (b) Elephant grass
   • (c) Lemongrass
   • (d) Nut grass
   Correct Answer: (C) Lemongrass
9. [2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?
   1. Hard and waxy leaves
   2. Tiny leaves
   3. Thorns instead of leaves
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 2 and 3 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
10. [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?
    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
11. [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 pharmaceutical industry.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
12. [2013] Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
    (1). Hard and waxy leaves
    (2). Tiny leaves or no leaves
    (3). Thorns instead of leaves
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    • (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
13. [2011] When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies because?
    • (a) Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts.
    • (b) Roots are starved of energy.
    • (c) Tree is infected by soil microbes.
    • (d) Roots do not receive oxygen for respiration.
    Correct Answer: (B) Roots are starved of energy.
14. [2011] A state in India has the following characteristics:
    1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
    2. Its central part produces cotton.
    3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops. Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?
    • (a) Andhra Pradesh
    • (b) Gujarat
    • (c) Karnataka
    • (d) Tamil Nadu
    Correct Answer: (B) Gujarat
15. [2011] Among the following states, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export-oriented industry in this field?
    • (a) Andhra Pradesh
    • (b) Arunachal Pradesh
    • (c) Madhya Pradesh
    • (d) Uttar Pradesh
    Correct Answer: (B) Arunachal Pradesh
16. [2010] In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?
    • (a) Montane Wet Temperate Forest
    • (b) Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
    • (c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
    • (d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
    Correct Answer: (C) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
17. [2009] Consider the following :
    1. Camphor
    2. Chicory
    3. Vanilla
    Which of the above is/are plant product(s) ?
    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1,2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (D) 1,2 and 3
18. [2008] Which one of the following is not essentially a species of the Himalayan vegetation?
    • (a) Juniper
    • (b) Mahogany
    • (c) Silver fir
    • (d) Spruce
    Correct Answer: (B) Mahogany
19. [2008] Which one of the following is an insectivorous plant?
    • (a) Passion flower plant
    • (b) Pitcher plant
    • (c) Night queen
    • (d) Flame of the forest
    Correct Answer: (B) Pitcher plant
20. [2007] Assertion (A): There are no tea plantations in any African country.
    Reason (R): Tea plants need fertile soil with high humus.
    • (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
    • (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
    • (c) A is true but R is false
    • (d) A is false but R is true
    Correct Answer: (D) A is false but R is true
21. [2007] Which one of the following parts of the pitcher plant becomes modified into a pitcher?
    • (a) Stem
    • (b) Leaf
    • (c) Stipule
    • (d) Petiole
    Correct Answer: (B) Leaf
22. [2005] Consider the following statements regarding forest cover in India:
    1.According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, total Forest cover in India is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country.
    2.Lakshadweep has zero per cent forest area.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (B) 2 only