122 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on the UPSC 2008 Prelims. 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.
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UPSC 2008Geography · Miscellaneous
Q121. Which one of the following is not essentially a species of the Himalayan vegetation?
Explanation
Mahogany is a tropical hardwood tree native to the Americas. Known for its reddish-brown timber, which is durable, beautiful, and easy to work with, mahogany is highly valued in furniture making, cabinetry, and boatbuilding. However, it is not naturally found in the Himalayan region. The climatic and environmental conditions of the Himalayas are unsuitable for its growth, so any presence of mahogany there would be the result of human introduction rather than natural occurrence.
UPSC 2008Geography · Miscellaneous
Q122. Out of all the biosphere reserves in India, four have been recognized on the World Network by UNESCO. Which one of the following is not one of them?
Explanation
Option (b) is correct: As of 2008, the four Indian biosphere reserves recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) were:
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (2000)
2. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (2001)
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (2001)
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2004) The Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve was not included in the WNBR by UNESCO until 2015. It was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list only in July 2016, becoming the first "Mixed Heritage" site of India. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, located on India’s southeastern coast, is a biodiversity hotspot with coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and rich marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and marine mammals. It supports traditional fishing communities and promotes sustainable development while conserving its unique ecosystem. Recognized by UNESCO, it highlights the balance between conservation and livelihoods. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand includes the Nanda Devi National Park and India’s second-highest peak. It protects pristine alpine habitats with endangered species like the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer. Recognized by UNESCO, it plays a vital role in conserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and its biodiversity. The Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, is the world’s largest mangrove forest. It supports iconic species like the Bengal tiger and numerous aquatic animals. Recognized by UNESCO, it protects this critical ecosystem known for coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and supporting local livelihoods.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
121
2008
(b) Mahogany
122
2008
(b) Kanchenjunga
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on all subjects?
This page covers 122 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on the UPSC 2008 Prelims, asked from 1995 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 all subjects?
Questions on the UPSC 2008 Prelims are available for 31 years, from 1995 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
