2011 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 20: Environment and Ecology

Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity :

  1. 1.Species richness
  2. 2.Vegetation density
  3. 3.Endemism
  4. 4.Ethno-botanical importance
  5. 5.Threat perception
  6. 6.Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context ?

a1, 2 and 6
b2, 4 and 6
c1, 3 and 5
d3, 4 and 6

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The biodiversity hotspot concept, proposed by Norman Myers and taken up by Conservation International, uses two tests: a region must hold at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants, and it must have lost at least 70 per cent of its original habitat. That is high endemism under heavy threat, with species richness being part of what is counted. Vegetation density, ethno-botanical value and adaptation to warm, humid conditions are not criteria.

  • 1. Species richness is counted in recognising a hotspot.
  • 2. Vegetation density is not a criterion.
  • 3. A hotspot needs a high number of endemic species.
  • 4. Ethno-botanical use is not a criterion.
  • 5. A hotspot must have lost most of its original habitat, so it is under threat.
  • 6. Adaptation to warm, humid conditions is not a criterion.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 5 is correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 5 out.

    What you needed to know: A hotspot must have lost most of its original habitat, so it is under threat.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6.

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) Vegetation density and adaptation to warm, humid conditions are not criteria.
  • (b) None of these three are criteria.
  • (c) Right: species richness, endemism and threat perception.
  • (d) Ethno-botanical importance and adaptation to climate are not criteria.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.