Plant Diversity of India

1. The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of [CSE-2011]

1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.

2. Threatened plant and animal species.

3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Ans. (b)

Exp:

The Red Data Book lists species based on their risk of extinction globally, not specifically endemic species confined to biodiversity hotspots. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Its main objective is to assess and list threatened plant and animal species, categorizing them into groups such as Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Protected sites and conservation areas are managed under different frameworks, such as UNESCO World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, or IUCN Protected Area categories (e.g., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries), rather than being listed in the Red Data Book. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

2. With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: [CSE-2016]

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (a)

Exp:

Red Sanders is an endemic tree species found in a restricted area of South India, primarily in the Seshachalam hills and surrounding regions of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Red Sanders grows in tropical dry deciduous forests—particularly on hot, dry, hilly terrain—rather than tropical rain forests. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

3. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? [CSE-2018]

(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

(d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Exp:

Prosopis juliflora (commonly known as Vilayati Babul or Mesquite) is a shrub/small tree native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.

It rapidly spreads and suppresses the growth of native plant species due to its deep taproot system, which depletes groundwater reserves, and its ability to outcompete native vegetation for nutrients and light.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

4. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of: [CSE-2019]

(a) Anti-malarial drug

(b) Biodiesel

(d) Textile fibre

Ans. (d)

Exp:

Himalayan Nettle locally known as Allo or Kandali, is a wild-growing plant found extensively in the Indian Himalayan region (such as Uttarakhand) and Nepal.

The stem of the plant contains strong, fine, silk-like bast fibres that are naturally biodegradable and sustainable.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

5. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? [CSE-2021]

(a) Congress grass

(b) Elephant grass

(d) Nut grass

Ans. (c)

Exp:

Lemongrass contains citronella oil, a widely known natural essential oil used as an effective mosquito and insect repellent.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

6. With reference to "Gucchi" sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: [CSE-2022]

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/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans. (c)

Exp:

Gucchi, commonly known as the Morel mushroom, is a prized species of edible fungus belonging to the family Morchellaceae. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It grows wild in temperate, moist conifer forest areas across the Western Himalayas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is predominantly associated with the Western Himalayas, not the foothills of northeastern India. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

7. Consider the following:

1. Cashew

2. Papaya

3. Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India? [CSE - 2024]

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Ans. (a)

Exp:

Cashew is native to Northeastern Brazil. It was introduced to India (specifically Goa) by Portuguese traders in the late 16th century.

Papaya originated in Tropical America (southern Mexico and Central America). It was introduced to India via the Philippines and Malaya by Portuguese explorers during the 16th century.

Red Sanders is an endemic tree species restricted to the southern region of the Eastern Ghats, primarily in the Seshachalam forest hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Hence, only Red Sanders is native to India and option (a) is correct.

8. Which of the following trees is dangerous for the environment? UPPSC 2022

(a) Neem

(b) Eucalyptus

(d) Banana

Ans. (b)

Exp:

While Eucalyptus trees grow quickly and are useful for timber and paper pulp, planting them extensively—especially outside their native habitat (Australia)—causes severe ecological damage such as depletes underground water tables, releases toxic chemicals into the soil and leaves the soil bare around its base.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.