UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 35: Geography
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Cotton II. Flax III. Sugar beet IV. Jute List II A. Rainfall 1000-1500 mm; Temperature 40°-60 °C B. Rainfall 1500-2000 mm; Temperature 25°-35 °C C. Rainfall 600-800 mm; Temperature 5°-18 °C D. Rainfall 500-1000 mm; Temperature 18°-22 °C E. Rainfall 500-600 mm; Temperature 18°-22 °C Codes:
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Jute needs a hot, very humid climate and the heaviest rain (1500-2000 mm, 25-35 degrees C), so it goes with B. Flax is a cool-climate crop, matching C. Entry A, with 40-60 degrees C, suits no crop, which rules out (a) and (c). Option (b) pairs jute with D, which is too dry. That leaves (d), which also pairs cotton with D and sugar beet with E. Remember: jute is the wettest and hottest; flax likes cool weather.
- I. Cotton - moderate rain (500-1000 mm), warm (D).
- II. Flax - cool climate (600-800 mm, 5-18 degrees C) (C).
- III. Sugar beet - moderate rain, mild warmth (E).
- IV. Jute - heavy rain, hot (1500-2000 mm, 25-35 degrees C) (B).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Cotton-A uses an impossible 40-60 degrees C temperature.
- (b) Wrong. Jute with D (moderate rain, mild temperature) does not suit it; jute needs the wettest, hottest entry.
- (c) Wrong. Pairs jute with the impossible A, and flax and sugar beet with the wrong entries.
- (d) Right. Cotton-D, Flax-C, Sugar beet-E, Jute-B.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.