2015 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 84: Environment and Ecology
Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'?
aA community of organisms interacting with one another
bThat part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms
cA community of organisms together with the environment in which they live
dThe flora and fauna of a geographical area
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
An ecosystem is a community of organisms together with the physical environment in which they live, interacting as one unit through the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients. The term was coined by A. G. Tansley in 1935. A community alone leaves out the non-living part, while the biosphere and the flora and fauna of an area are different ideas.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) A community of interacting organisms alone leaves out the non-living environment.
- (b) The part of the Earth inhabited by living organisms is the biosphere.
- (c) Correct: an ecosystem is organisms plus their environment.
- (d) Flora and fauna of an area describe its biota, not an ecosystem.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.