Species: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Hedgehogs are small mammals with short limbs and a body low to the ground. Their most distinctive characteristic is the thousands of stiff, sharp spines -harder and sharper than those of a porcupine - that cover the animal’s back and sides, like a pincushion filled with needles. If attacked they will curl into a prickly and unappetizing ball that deters most predators.

Option 2 is incorrect: Marmot are any of 14 species of giant ground squirrels found primarily in North America and Eurasia. Marmots are well suited for life in cold environments and have small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws for digging. Marmots do not roll up and protect their vulnerable parts. They often use their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to defend themselves.

Option 3 is correct: Pangolin, also called scaly anteaters be-cause of their preferred diet. They are the most trafficked mammal in the world. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Filter feeders are a subgroup of suspension feeding animals that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles from water, typically bypassing the water over a specialised filtering structure. Clams, krill, sponges, oysters, etc are among the creatures that rely on this way of feeding (including some sharks). Filter feeders include some birds like flamingos and several varieties of duck. Filter feeders are regarded as ecosystem engineers since they might be crucial in the clarification of water. They serve as indicator organisms and are crucial in bioaccumulation.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Catfish are bottom-dwellers that feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Octopuses are predators that feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Pelicans are birds that feed on fish and other aquatic animals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Oil palm trees are native to West Africa but were brought to South-East Asia over 100 years ago as an ornamental tree crop. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, is the largest producer of palm oil.

Statement 2 is correct: Non-food applications of Palm oil are Cosmetics, toiletries, soaps and detergents. Oleochemical industry, as a base material for laundry detergents, household cleaners and cosmetics.

Statement 3 is correct: Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel, which can be used in compression ignition engines, i.e., diesel engines without any modifications.

Explanation

Leguminous plants have small pockets or nodules in their roots that host a specific type of bacteria known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: Moringa is a rapidly growing, drought-tolerant tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is found naturally in the sub-Himalayan regions of Northern India and is now cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical climates. Unlike leguminous plants, Moringa is not a legume and is deciduous, shedding its leaves seasonally. On the other hand, tamarind, a leguminous tree known for its edible fruit, is native to tropical Africa, not South Asia. Statements 3 and 4 are correct: In India most of the Tamarind is collected as Minor Forest Produce with Minimum Support Price. Tamarind is also actively exported from India.

Statement 5 is correct: Biodiesel is derived from the tamarind seed through the transesterification process as potential alternative feedstock for the diesel engine. Seeds of Moringa too can be used for biodiesel production.