UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 73: Science and Technology
Consider the following :
- 1.Camphor
- 2.Chicory
- 3.Vanilla
Which of the above is/are plant product(s) ?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
All three are plant products. Camphor is a waxy substance obtained from the wood of the camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora. Chicory is the root of Cichorium intybus, roasted and blended with coffee. Vanilla is the flavouring obtained from the cured pods of a climbing orchid. Remember that all three are used in flavouring, medicine or beverages.
- 1. Camphor comes from the wood of the camphor tree.
- 2. Chicory is the root of a plant.
- 3. Vanilla comes from the pods of an orchid.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Chicory is the root of a plant.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Vanilla comes from the pods of an orchid.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: vanilla also comes from a plant.
- (b) Wrong: camphor and chicory are plant products too.
- (c) Wrong: chicory is a plant product too.
- (d) Right: all three are plant products.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.