2013 Archives

61. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its n

In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1, 2 and 3

2 only

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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The Lion-tailed Macaque is found in its natural habitat in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is an endangered primate species endemic to the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in South India. Its natural habitat is restricted to this region, specifically within the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is not naturally found in Andhra Pradesh.

The Lion-tailed Macaque is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population is fragmented and threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities. Significant populations are found in areas like the Anamalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and parts of Karnataka’s Western Ghats.

62. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil? 1. Excretion o

Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?

1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statements 1, 2, and 3 all describe processes that add nitrogen to the soil.

1. Excretion of urea by animals: Urea is a nitrogen-rich organic compound. When animals excrete urea onto the soil, decomposers convert it into inorganic forms like ammonium, which plants can absorb. This is a direct addition of nitrogen to the soil through the nitrogen cycle.
2. Burning of coal by man: Combustion of fossil fuels like coal releases nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These atmospheric nitrogen compounds can be deposited onto the soil through dry deposition (particles) or wet deposition (acid rain). This process, known as atmospheric nitrogen deposition, adds nitrogen to ecosystems, including soil.
3. Death of vegetation: When plants and other organisms die, their organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms in the soil. This process, called mineralization, breaks down organic nitrogen compounds into inorganic forms (like ammonium), making nitrogen available in the soil for uptake by plants. This is a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen is added to the soil through various natural processes (like biological nitrogen fixation, atmospheric deposition, decomposition) and human activities (like application of fertilizers, burning fossil fuels leading to deposition). While decomposition and biological fixation are primary natural inputs, anthropogenic activities have significantly altered the global nitrogen cycle, increasing deposition rates in many areas.

63. Consider the following organisms : 1. Agaricus 2. Nostoc 3. Spirog

Consider the following organisms :

1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra

Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

1 and 2

2 only

2 and 3

3 only

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Nostoc is used as a biofertilizer. Agaricus and Spirogyra are not typically used as biofertilizers.

1. Agaricus is a genus of fungi (mushrooms) and is not generally used as a biofertilizer. Some fungi like mycorrhizal fungi are used as biofertilizers as they enhance nutrient uptake, but Agaricus is not primarily used for this purpose.
2. Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is widely used as a biofertilizer, especially in paddy fields.
3. Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae. It is photosynthetic but does not fix nitrogen and is not used as a biofertilizer.

Biofertilizers are substances containing live 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. Examples include nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter), cyanobacteria (Anabaena, Nostoc), and phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms.

64. Consider the following pairs : National Park : River flowing th

Consider the following pairs :

	National Park	:	River flowing through the Park
1.	Corbett	:	Ganga
2.	Kaziranga National Park	:	Manas
3.	Silent Valley National Park	:	Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1 and 2

3 only

1 and 3

None

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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None of the given pairs are correctly matched.

1. Jim Corbett National Park is primarily known for the Ramganga river flowing through it, not the Ganga. The Ramganga is a tributary of the Ganga.
2. Kaziranga National Park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The Manas river flows through Manas National Park, another park in Assam.
3. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Western Ghats in Kerala. The major river flowing through it is the Kunthi River, a tributary of the Bharathappuzha river. The Kaveri River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Correct identification of major rivers flowing through national parks is important for environmental geography. These rivers often form crucial habitats and influence the park’s ecosystem.

65. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following st

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:

1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3

None

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Statement 1 is correct. A food chain shows the linear sequence of organisms where nutrients and energy are transferred as one organism eats another. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

A food chain illustrates the trophic relationships between different species in an ecosystem, showing the flow of energy from producers to consumers of various levels. Food chains involve interactions *between* different species at different trophic levels, not typically *within* the population of a single species (unless referring to cannibalism, which isn’t the primary representation). While the number of organisms at each level can be represented in an ecological pyramid (like the pyramid of numbers), a simple food chain diagram does not illustrate the *numbers* of organisms eaten.

Ecosystems consist of multiple interconnected food chains, forming a food web. Food chains help understand the flow of energy and the impact of changes in one trophic level on others.

66. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

carbon dioxide and nitrogen

carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

ozone and carbon dioxide

nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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The correct answer is D) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide.

Acid rain is primarily caused by atmospheric pollutants, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases are released into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. In the atmosphere, they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the Earth’s surface through rain, snow, fog, or dry deposition. While the term “nitrous oxide” (N₂O) is specifically mentioned in the option, it is one of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) group, although NO and NO₂ from combustion are the main contributors to acid rain’s nitrogen component. However, compared to other options which list substances not responsible for acid rain (Carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen), this option correctly identifies the two major categories of pollutants that lead to acid rain (sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds).

Sulfur dioxide emissions largely come from power plants and industrial facilities burning coal and oil. Nitrogen oxide emissions come from vehicle exhausts, power plants, and industrial combustion. Acid rain has harmful effects on ecosystems, damaging forests, lakes, buildings, and monuments.

67. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or t

Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

1. Beryllium

2. Cadmium

3. Chromium

4. Heptachlor

5. Mercury

6. Lead

7. Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

2, 4, 5 and 7 only

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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The correct answer is B) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only.

Electronic waste (e-waste), such as old computers and their parts, contains various hazardous substances. The list provided includes several heavy metals commonly found in electronic components: Beryllium (1), Cadmium (2), Chromium (3, often hexavalent chromium), Mercury (5), and Lead (6). These substances pose significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly. Heptachlor (4) is an organochlorine pesticide, not a standard component of electronics. Plutonium (7) is a radioactive element associated with nuclear materials, not found in typical consumer electronics. Therefore, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are commonly released into the environment from improper e-waste handling.

Other hazardous substances found in e-waste include brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs – in older equipment), and various other chemicals in plastics and circuit boards. Proper e-waste management involves recycling and safe disposal methods to prevent these toxins from contaminating soil, water, and air.

68. ‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution

‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in

the Preamble and the Fundamental Rights

the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy

the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy

None of the above

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The correct answer is B) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution explicitly lists “Justice, social, economic and political” as one of the core objectives to be secured for all citizens. The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution) contain detailed provisions that guide the state in making laws and policies aimed at achieving these objectives, particularly social and economic justice. Articles like 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, and 47 embody the state’s commitment to ensuring economic justice through policies related to distribution of wealth, adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, right to work, education, public assistance, living wage, etc. While Fundamental Rights protect individuals and have indirect economic implications (e.g., right against exploitation), the positive concept of ‘Economic Justice’ as a directive principle for state policy is primarily enshrined in the Preamble and elaborated in the DPSPs.

Fundamental Rights are justiciable and primarily negative injunctions against the state, ensuring basic civil and political liberties. Directive Principles, on the other hand, are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to achieve socio-economic ideals, including economic justice. The Preamble serves as an introduction and lays down the fundamental values and philosophy of the Constitution, including the commitment to economic justice.

69. Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

bacteria

protozoa

moulds

viruses

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The correct answer is C) moulds.

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by certain molds, specifically species of *Aspergillus*, most notably *Aspergillus flavus* and *Aspergillus parasiticus*. These molds grow on various food crops, such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts, often under conditions of high humidity and temperature and improper storage. Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic, and are not typically destroyed by normal cooking temperatures.

Aflatoxin contamination is a significant concern for food safety, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Exposure to aflatoxins can cause acute liver damage and is a major risk factor for liver cancer. Regulatory limits for aflatoxins in food and feed are set by many countries to protect public health.

70. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Reco

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

State Forest Department

District Collector/Deputy Commissioner

Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer

Gram Sabha

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The correct answer is D) Gram Sabha.

According to the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), the Gram Sabha is designated as the primary authority responsible for initiating the process of determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights within its jurisdiction. Claims for forest rights are first submitted to the Gram Sabha, which verifies them and passes a resolution before forwarding them to higher-level committees (Sub-Divisional Level Committee and District Level Committee) for further verification and final approval.

The FRA emphasizes the role of the Gram Sabha as the most local and democratic body in recognizing and vesting forest rights, ensuring community participation and control over the process. This structure is intended to empower forest-dwelling communities and ensure that the recognition of rights is based on local knowledge and verification.