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?
Asked in UPSC IAS 2023 · Topic: Taxonomy (Taxonomic Characters and Evidence (Morphological, Anatomical, Cytological, Molecular))
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- Some mushrooms have medicinal properties Many mushroom species have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes and are being researched for compounds with potential benefits, including anti-cancer, immune-modulating, and antibiotic effects (e.g., Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail). 2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties Certain mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin (e.g., Psilocybe species), which affect the mind and perception. 3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties Some fungi, including certain mushroom species, produce compounds that are toxic or deterrent to insects. Amanita muscaria, for example, contains ibotenic acid, which has insecticidal properties. 4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties Several species of fungi, including certain mushrooms (e.g., some Mycena species, Panellus stipticus), are bioluminescent, meaning they produce light through a chemical reaction. 162. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?
- They build nests by making burrows in the ground This is generally incorrect for the common Indian squirrels (like the Indian Palm Squirrel). Tree squirrels, which are prevalent in India, typically build nests called 'dreys' high up in trees using twigs, leaves, and other plant materials. While some squirrel species (ground squirrels) do burrow, this is not characteristic of the squirrels commonly referred to in India in this context. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground This is correct. Burying or 'caching' nuts and seeds is a common behaviour among many squirrel species, including Indian squirrels, to store food for later consumption, particularly during scarcity. 3. They are omnivorous This is correct. While their diet primarily consists of plant material like nuts, seeds, fruits, and buds, Indian squirrels are known to also eat insects, larvae, bird eggs, and occasionally small vertebrates, making them omnivorous. 163. Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?
- Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water This is correct. Thermophiles and hyperthermophiles are types of extremophilic microorganisms (often Archaea and Bacteria) that thrive at very high temperatures, such as those found in hydrothermal vents or hot springs, where temperatures can exceed 100°C and even reach above 120°C under pressure. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water This is correct. Psychrophiles are extremophilic microorganisms that are capable of growth and reproduction in cold temperatures, typically between -15°C and 10°C. They are found in environments like polar ice, glaciers, permafrost, and the deep sea. 3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3 This is correct. Acidophiles are extremophilic microorganisms that thrive in highly acidic environments, with optimum pH levels typically between 0 and 3. Examples include species found in acid mine drainage or volcanic sulfur springs. 164. Consider the following trees: 1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) 2. Mahua (Madhuca indica) 3. Teak (Tectona grandis) How many of the above are deciduous trees?
- Consider the following : 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms ?
- Consider the following plants : 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family ?
- The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :
- Consider the following pairs : Animal found in its natural hab‐ Country itat 1. Brazil Indri 2. Indonesia Elk 3. Madagas‐ Bonobo car How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?
- Consider the following statements : 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. Which of the statements given above are correct ?