UPSC Geoscientist Archives

21. What is ‘phenology’?

What is ‘phenology’?

Study of phenol production in plants

Study of periodical phenomena of plants, such as the time of flowering in relation to climate

Study of excretory pathway of phenols by herbivores

Study of phenotypic variation in newborn individuals of cats

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The correct answer is ‘Study of periodical phenomena of plants, such as the time of flowering in relation to climate’.

Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. It focuses on the timing of recurring biological events, such as flowering, leaf unfolding, migration, and breeding, and their correlation with environmental factors like temperature, precipitation, and photoperiod.

Phenological studies are crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. Changes in temperature and other climatic factors can alter the timing of phenological events, potentially leading to mismatches between interacting species (e.g., plants and their pollinators or herbivores) and disrupting ecosystem dynamics.

22. Which one of the following is a secondary metabolite produced by some

Which one of the following is a secondary metabolite produced by some plants?

Starch

Terpenoids

Malate

Sugar

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The correct answer is Terpenoids.

Primary metabolites are directly involved in the normal growth, development, and reproduction of an organism. Examples include carbohydrates (like starch, sugar), lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and simple organic acids (like malate). Secondary metabolites are not directly involved in these essential processes but often have ecological functions, such as defense against herbivores or pathogens, or attracting pollinators.

Terpenoids are a large class of organic compounds derived from five-carbon isoprene units. They are classic examples of secondary metabolites found in plants, known for diverse functions including fragrances, flavors, pigments, and defense compounds. Starch, malate, and sugar are primary metabolites essential for energy storage, metabolism, and transport in plants.

23. Which one of the following ‘algae’ is not known identified partner to

Which one of the following ‘algae’ is not known identified partner to form lichen?

Nostoc

Stigonema

Trentepohlia

Vaucheria

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Lichens are formed through a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont), which is usually a green alga or a cyanobacterium. Common algal photobionts belong to genera like Trebouxia, Trentepohlia, and Pseudotrebouxia. Cyanobacterial photobionts include genera like Nostoc and Stigonema. Vaucheria is a filamentous alga belonging to the Xanthophyceae (yellow-green algae) and is not a commonly known or identified photobiont partner in lichen formation.

– Lichens are symbioses between fungi and photosynthetic organisms (algae or cyanobacteria).
– Nostoc and Stigonema are cyanobacteria known to form lichen associations.
– Trentepohlia is a green alga known to form lichen associations.
– Vaucheria is a yellow-green alga not typically found as a lichen photobiont.

The majority of lichen photobionts are green algae (~90%), with cyanobacteria making up most of the remainder. The specific species involved are often highly specialized for the symbiotic relationship.

24. Duckweed or Azolla is used as a/an

Duckweed or Azolla is used as a/an

pesticide

biofertilizer

arsenic indicator

antiseptic

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Azolla is a small aquatic fern that lives in symbiotic association with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. This symbiosis allows Azolla to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, making it an excellent natural biofertilizer, particularly for rice paddies. Duckweed (Lemna, etc.) is also an aquatic plant that can be used as green manure, contributing organic matter and nutrients, broadly fitting the category of biofertilizer in this context, though Azolla’s nitrogen-fixing capability is more prominent.

– Azolla is a symbiotic host for nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena azollae).
– Nitrogen fixation makes Azolla a valuable biofertilizer, especially in agriculture.
– Duckweed can also be used as a source of organic matter and nutrients.

Biofertilizers are substances containing living microorganisms which, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Azolla has been used for centuries as a biofertilizer in wetland rice cultivation.

25. Which one of the following is a ‘drupe’?

Which one of the following is a ‘drupe’?

Orange

Brinjal

Coconut

Tomato

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A drupe is a type of fleshy fruit characterized by a hard, stony layer (the endocarp) surrounding the seed, enclosed within a fleshy outer part (mesocarp) and skin (exocarp). A coconut fits this definition: the fibrous husk is the mesocarp, the hard shell surrounding the “meat” and water is the stony endocarp, and the seed is inside.

– A drupe has three layers: exocarp (skin), fleshy mesocarp, and stony endocarp surrounding the seed.
– Coconut is classified botanically as a fibrous drupe.
– Orange is a hesperidium (a type of berry).
– Brinjal (Eggplant) and Tomato are berries.

Other examples of drupes include peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, olives, and mangoes. The definition can be sometimes confusing for multi-seeded fruits or those with dry pericarps, but the presence of the stony endocarp is key for a drupe.

26. Which one of the following is a known metallophyte for Fe?

Which one of the following is a known metallophyte for Fe?

Eichhornia crassipes

Miconia lutescens

Astragalus acemosus

Mentha arvensis

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Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) is well-known for its ability to accumulate various heavy metals, including Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn), from contaminated water. It is widely studied and used in phytoremediation efforts for metal-contaminated aquatic environments.

– Metallophytes are plants tolerant of or able to accumulate high levels of heavy metals.
– Eichhornia crassipes is a prominent example of a plant used for phytoremediation, including the removal or accumulation of iron.
– Miconia species are often associated with nickel accumulation; Astragalus species with selenium accumulation.

Phytoremediation is a process using plants to remove, detoxify, or immobilize environmental pollutants, including heavy metals. While the term metallophyte is often used for terrestrial plants on metalliferous soils, the concept extends to aquatic plants with similar capabilities in water.

27. Which one of the following is the international convention agreement s

Which one of the following is the international convention agreement specifying the commitments of different countries to mitigate climate change?

Montreal Protocol

Kyoto Protocol

Paris Agreement

Bali Agreement

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The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 under the framework of the UNFCCC. It is the current major global agreement where countries formally commit to mitigating climate change by submitting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. While the Kyoto Protocol also specified commitments (legally binding targets for Annex I countries), the Paris Agreement involves commitments from all parties and is the operative framework for global climate action commitments today.

– Paris Agreement (2015) requires all parties to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) specifying their climate action goals.
– Kyoto Protocol (1997) set legally binding emission reduction targets for industrialized countries (Annex I parties) for specific commitment periods.
– Montreal Protocol (1987) addresses ozone-depleting substances, not greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change.
– Bali Action Plan (2007) was a roadmap towards a new climate agreement, not the agreement itself.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the parent treaty for both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

28. Little Andaman is separated from Great Andaman by

Little Andaman is separated from Great Andaman by

Ten Degree Channel

Homfray's Strait

Duncan Passage

Austen Strait

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The Duncan Passage is a strait in the Indian Ocean that separates Rutland Island (which is part of Great Andaman) to the north from Little Andaman Island to the south.

– Duncan Passage separates South Andaman from Little Andaman. Rutland Island is at the southern tip of South Andaman.
– The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands (specifically, Little Andaman from Car Nicobar).
– Homfray’s Strait and Austen Strait are passages within the Great Andaman group.

The Andaman Islands are an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. Great Andaman is the main island group consisting of North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, and Rutland Island. Little Andaman is a separate island to the south.

29. Which one of the following glaciers is not part of Pir Panjal Range?

Which one of the following glaciers is not part of Pir Panjal Range?

Urdok

Sonapani

Bara Shigri

Gangri

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Urdok glacier is located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically in the Siachen Muztagh area, which is far to the north of the Pir Panjal Range. Sonapani and Bara Shigri are well-known glaciers located in Himachal Pradesh, with Sonapani situated within the Lahaul region which is associated with the Pir Panjal range. Bara Shigri is a large glacier often considered part of the Greater Himalayas or Zanskar range, adjacent to Pir Panjal. Gangri glacier is also located in HP, near the Bara Shigri system. Among the options, Urdok is definitively not part of the Pir Panjal Range.

– The Pir Panjal Range is part of the Lesser Himalayas.
– Urdok glacier is located in the Karakoram range.
– Sonapani and Bara Shigri are glaciers found in Himachal Pradesh, near the Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan ranges.

The Pir Panjal Range is the largest range of the Lesser Himalayas, extending from the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir to the upper Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. The Karakoram Range is a separate mountain system located to the north of the Himalayas, including peaks like K2 and major glaciers like Siachen.

30. The Kumaon Himalayas lie between

The Kumaon Himalayas lie between

Indus River and Satluj River

Satluj River and Kali River

Chenab River and Satluj River

Bhagirathi River and Alaknanda River

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The Kumaon Himalayas are a part of the Himalayan mountain range located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and also extend into parts of western Nepal. Based on the traditional regional division of the Himalayas from west to east, they are situated between the Satluj River to the west and the Kali River (which forms part of the border between India and Nepal) to the east.

– The regional division of the Himalayas is based on river valleys.
– The Himalayas between the Indus and Satluj rivers are known as Punjab Himalayas.
– The Himalayas between the Satluj and Kali rivers are known as Kumaon Himalayas.
– The Himalayas between the Kali and Tista rivers are known as Nepal Himalayas.
– The Himalayas between the Tista and Brahmaputra (Dihang) rivers are known as Assam Himalayas.

This regional classification was proposed by Sydney Burrard. The Kumaon Himalayas include famous peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet, and major pilgrimage centers like Badrinath and Kedarnath.