UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 16: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements :
- 1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
- 2.Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.
- 3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
- 4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
How many of the above statements are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
All four are correct. Many mushrooms are medicinal (reishi, shiitake and cordyceps are studied for immune and anticancer effects). Psilocybin mushrooms are psychoactive. Some species carry insecticidal compounds, such as the fly agaric, whose toxins affect insects. Foxfire fungi such as Panellus stipticus and some Mycena species glow in the dark through bioluminescence.
- 1. Some mushrooms have medicinal uses.
- 2. Psilocybin mushrooms are psychoactive.
- 3. Some contain insecticidal compounds.
- 4. Some fungi are bioluminescent.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
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) Only one would deny three true properties.
- (b) Only two would deny two true properties.
- (c) Only three would deny one true property; all four are true.
- (d) Correct: medicinal, psychoactive, insecticidal and bioluminescent mushrooms all exist.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.