1995 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 123: Environment and Ecology
Most of the desert plants bloom during night time because
atheir blooming is controlled by low temperature
bthey are sensitive to the phases of moon
cthe desert insects eat away flowers during day time
dthe desert insects are active during night time
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Many desert plants open their flowers at night because the heat of the day is severe and their pollinating insects, such as moths, are active in the cool night. Night blooming also helps flowers avoid water loss in the day. Remember: night-blooming flowers are pollinated by night-flying insects.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Low temperature does not control blooming here.
- (b) Phases of the moon do not control blooming.
- (c) Insects feeding on flowers in the day is not the reason.
- (d) Right: pollinating insects are active at night.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.