UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I
Question 19: Science and Technology
Consider the following plants :
- 1.Groundnut
- 2.Horse-gram
- 3.Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Groundnut, horse-gram and soybean are all legumes of the pea family (Fabaceae). Legumes bear their seeds in pods and fix atmospheric nitrogen with root-nodule bacteria, which is why they improve soil fertility. All three belong to the family, so the answer is all three. Remember: pulses, groundnut and soybean are legumes.
- 1. Groundnut is a legume of the pea family.
- 2. Horse-gram is a pulse of the pea family.
- 3. Soybean is a legume of the pea family.
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) Wrong: all three, not one, belong to the pea family.
- (b) Wrong: all three, not two, belong to the pea family.
- (c) Right: groundnut, horse-gram and soybean are all Fabaceae.
- (d) Wrong: all three are legumes.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.