With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements : 1.

With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :

Join Our Telegram Channel

1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2021

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

– Statement 1: The oil palm tree (*Elaeis guineensis*) is native to the tropical regions of West and Southwest Africa. Its extensive cultivation was introduced to Southeast Asia (particularly Malaysia and Indonesia), where it is now grown commercially on a massive scale, making these regions the world’s largest producers. So, statement 1 is incorrect.
– Statement 2: Palm oil and its fractions (derivatives) are versatile ingredients widely used in various non-food industries, including cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaning agents. It is a common ingredient in soaps, detergents, shampoos, lotions, lipstick, and perfumes due to its properties as an emulsifier, surfactant, or emollient. So, statement 2 is correct.
– Statement 3: Palm oil can be processed through various methods, such as transesterification, to produce biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters). Palm oil-based biodiesel is used as a renewable alternative fuel. So, statement 3 is correct.

The expansion of palm oil plantations, especially in Southeast Asia, has raised significant environmental concerns, including deforestation, habitat loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to efforts to promote sustainable palm oil production.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-