UPSC 2010 Science and Technology Questions with Answers

Explanation

Insectivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants grow in nitrogen-poor, acidic, or waterlogged soils. They capture and digest insects to obtain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus which are scarce in their environment. This adaptation allows them to thrive in nutrient-deficient habitats where other plants struggle. Though they perform photosynthesis but their carnivorous behavior supplements their nutritional needs which enables them to survive in challenging conditions.

Explanation

Mon 863 maize was genetically modified to produce a protein called Cry3Bb1 derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This protein is toxic to the corn rootworm which is a major pest that damages maize crops. By incorporating this trait, Mon 863 reduces the need for chemical pesticides and improves crop yields.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Statement 1 is correct:

Coffee plants (Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta) thrive in hot tropical climates with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C, high humidity, and well-distributed rainfall. They are typically grown in regions near the equator such as Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia. Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) can be grown in both tropical and subtropical regions. They prefer cooler climates with temperatures between 13°C and 30°C and require well-distributed rainfall. Tea is cultivated in countries like India (Assam, Darjeeling), China, and Kenya.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Coffee plants are more commonly propagated from seeds. Seeds are sown to produce seedlings, which are then transplanted to the field. This method ensures genetic diversity among coffee plants. Tea is propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings. The vegetative propagation (stem cuttings) is more common in commercial cultivation because it ensures uniformity in plant characteristics and quality. Differences between Coffee and Tea Cultivation:

Factor Coffee Tea Climate Warm, humid tropical climate Cool, humid subtropical/tropical climate Temperature 15°C - 30°C 13°C - 30°C Rainfall 1,500 - 2,500 mm (moderate) 1,500 - 3,000 mm (higher) Altitude 600 - 2,000 meters 150 - 2,000 meters Soil Type Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6-6.5), loamy or volcanic soil Deep, fertile, well-drained acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) Shade vs. Sunlight Prefers shade for humidity Prefers open sunlight Temperature Sensitivity Sensitive to frost and extreme heat More adaptable but sensitive to extreme cold Major Growing Regions (India) Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats) Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris), Kerala Harvesting Beans are handpicked, fermented, dried, and roasted Leaves are plucked, withered, oxidized (for black tea), and dried Processing Roasting required before consumption Processed into different types (green, black, white, oolong)

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility by alternating crops that deplete nutrients with those that replenish them. It also reduces soil erosion by providing continuous ground cover. Thus, it plays a crucial role in soil conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Option 2 is correct: Sand fences are barriers placed to prevent the movement of sand and reduce soil erosion in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Rajasthan.

Option 3 is correct: Terracing involves cutting steps into slopes to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion, particularly in hilly areas. It is widely practiced in regions like the Himalayas.

Option 4 is correct: Wind breaks are rows of trees or shrubs planted to block the wind, reducing wind erosion and protecting the topsoil in open areas.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Pongamia pinnata, also known as the Indian beech tree, grows naturally in arid and semi-arid regions of India. It is highly drought-tolerant, making it a suitable biodiesel crop for areas with limited water availability.

Statement 2 is correct: The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content(oleic acid) which is a key component in the production of biodiesel. The high oil yield from the seeds makes Pongamia a viable and sustainable biodiesel source. Recently, it has been used for ethanol production.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: The major challenge in developing a malaria vaccine is that humans do not achieve complete immunity through natural infection. Partial immunity can develop after repeated exposure but it is not sufficient to prevent reinfection as the immune system fails to completely clear the parasite. The malaria parasite’s high mutation rate enables it to evade the immune system, further complicating efforts to develop an effective vaccine.

Option (a) is incorrect: Although malaria is caused by various Plasmodium species (e.g., P. falciparum, P. vivax) but this diversity is not the primary obstacle to vaccine development. Vaccines can target shared stages of the parasite’s lifecycle, allowing scientists to address multiple species. While species variation presents a challenge, it is not the main barrier in creating an effective vaccine against malaria.

Option (c) is incorrect: Vaccines have been successfully developed for a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites like malaria.

Option (d) is incorrect: Though humans are the intermediate host for the Plasmodium parasite, they are also crucial in the parasite’s lifecycle. The mosquito is the definitive host, where the parasite undergoes sexual reproduction. In humans the parasite undergoes asexual reproduction inside the liver and red blood cells, making humans essential in the lifecycle.

Explanation

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can lead to chronic disease. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.

Statement 1 is correct: Hepatitis B transmission occurs through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. It’s 50 to 100 times more contagious than HIV because it can survive longer outside the body and can be transmitted with a smaller amount of the virus. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) needs a higher viral load and specific conditions to spread.

Statement 2 is correct: The Hepatitis B virus attacks and damages the liver, causing inflammation and scarring (called cirrhosis). This chronic inflammation weakens the liver and makes it more susceptible to liver cancer. Liver cancer specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is strongly associated with chronic HBV infection. People with chronic Hepatitis B infection have a much higher risk of developing HCC compared to those who do not have the infection.