Species: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)
3 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Species (Environment and Ecology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q1. Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops the Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organisations?
Explanation
The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organised under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The ISSG fosters and enables the worldwide exchange of knowledge and information concerning invasive species. It also ensures the linkage between knowledge, practice, and policy to ensure that decisions are based on well-informed insights.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q2. Consider the following statements: 1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties. 2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties 3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties. 4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Mushrooms possess antibacterial properties, enhance the immune system, and aid in lowering cholesterol levels. Moreover, they serve as significant reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Consequently, certain mushroom extracts are utilised to support human health and are available in the form of dietary supplements.
Statement 2 is correct: Psychoactive properties refer to substances that influence brain function, resulting in alterations in mood, awareness, cognition, emotions, or behaviour. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound found in specific mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms.
Statement 3 is correct: In recent times, there has been a growing discovery of insecticidal compounds within mushrooms.
Statement 4 is correct: Bioluminescence refers to the generation and release of light by living organisms. Panellus stipticus stands out as one of the most luminous bioluminescent mushrooms found on our planet. The newly discovered species, designated as Roridomyces phyllostachydis found in Meghalaya, now joins the ranks of the 97 recognised types of bioluminescent fungi world- wide.
Exam tip:
"Some" = possibility logic, not absolute. If even one species of organism does something, the statement is likely correct. UPSC uses "some" to lower the burden of proof harder to eliminate. Hence all statements are likely correct.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian squirrels, such as the Indian Palm Squirrel, do not burrow in the ground to build nests. Instead, they construct nests in trees, crevices, or other elevated areas using materials like leaves and twigs. Burrow-making is more characteristic of rodents like rats or ground squirrels, which are not typical Indian squirrels.
Statement 2 is correct: Nuts serve as the primary food source for these creatures year-round, especially during the winter months when they are preparing for hibernation. They store nuts by burying them underground, enabling retrieval during the win-ter season.
Statement 3 is correct: Squirrels are omnivores. Their diet primarily consists of nuts and fruits, although they will also consume seeds, insects, small mammals, reptiles, eggs, and occasionally even bird chicks.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2023
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
2
2023
(d) All four
3
2023
(b) Only two
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Species?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Species (Environment and Ecology), asked from 2011 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Species?
Questions on Species (Environment and Ecology) are available for 15 years, from 2011 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
