UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 67: Science and Technology
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?
- 1.Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.
- 2.Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
- 3.Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Vegetative propagation grows new plants from parts of a parent such as cuttings, layers, grafts or tubers. Because no seed or fertilisation is involved, offspring are genetically identical, a clone, so statement 1 is right. It can be practised through much of the year, unlike seed raising, which depends on the season, so statement 3 is right. It does not eliminate viruses: infected parents pass them on to the offspring. Virus-free plants come from meristem culture.
- 1. Offspring are genetically identical clones.
- 2. Viruses pass from parent to offspring; they are not eliminated.
- 3. It can be practised through much of the year.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: Viruses pass from parent to offspring; they are not eliminated.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: It can be practised through much of the year.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.
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. It omits statement 3, which is correct.
- (b) Wrong. Statement 2 is false because viruses pass to the offspring.
- (c) Right. It produces clones and can be done most of the year.
- (d) Wrong. Statement 2 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.