Biology: Botany: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Biology: Botany (Science and Technology). 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 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2007Science and Technology · Biology: Botany
Q1. Which one of the following parts of the pitcher plant becomes modified into a pitcher?
Explanation
In pitcher plants (Nepenthes) the leaf is modified into a pitcher-shaped structure that traps and digests insects. This adaptation helps the plant supplement its nutrient intake in poor soil conditions, such as those found in bogs or marshes. Pitcher plants are carnivorous in nature.The rim of the pitcher has nectar glands or patterns that attract insects. Once inside the insect faces slippery walls or downward-facing hairs that trap it. It falls into digestive fluid at the bottom where enzymes break it down. The plant absorbs the nutrients and thrives in nutrient-poorhabitats like bogs.
UPSC 2007Science and Technology · Biology: Botany
Q2. Which of the following types of light are strongly absorbed by plants?
Explanation
Plant chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue (around 430-450 nm) and red (around 640-680 nm) regions of the spectrum. These wavelengths drive the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The absorption of blue light helps in the energy conversion, while red light plays a key role in the process of creating sugars. The green light is mostly reflected bach which is why plants appear green to us.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2007
(b) Leaf
2
2007
(b) Blue and red
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Biology: Botany?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Biology: Botany (Science and Technology), asked from 1996 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 Biology: Botany?
Questions on Biology: Botany (Science and Technology) are available for 14 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
