UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 107: Environment and Ecology

Ecologists have so far found and certified a large number of species in the plant and animal kingdoms. In terms of members, the largest group identified so far is among the

aFungi

bPlants

cInsects

dBacteria

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Insects are the largest group of described species, around a million, more than all other animal groups together. Fungi, plants and bacteria have far fewer described species. Remember: Class Insecta is the largest class of the phylum Arthropoda, the largest animal phylum.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Fungi have far fewer described species than insects.
(b) Plants have far fewer described species than insects.
(c) Right: insects are the largest group by number of species.
(d) Bacteria have far fewer described species, though they are abundant.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.