UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper II · Q11 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Fig trees (genus Ficus) are considered sacred in India, East Asia and Africa and are common in agricultural and urban landscapes where other large trees are absent. In natural forests, fig trees provide food for wildlife when other resources are scarce and support a high density and diversity of frugivores (fruit-eating animals). If frugivorous birds and bats continue to visit fig trees located in sites with high human disturbance, sacred fig trees may promote frugivore abundance. Under favourable microclimate, plenty of seedlings of other tree species would grow around fig trees.

On the basis of the passage given above, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Fig trees can often be keystone species in natural forests. 2. Fig trees can grow where other large woody species cannot grow. 3. Sacred trees can have a role in biodiversity conservation. 4. Fig trees have a role in the seed dispersal of other tree species. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 only
  2. (b) 3 only
  3. (c) 2 and 4 only
  4. (d) 1, 3 and 4 only ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Assumption 1 is valid because the passage states fig trees provide food when other resources are scarce and support high density/diversity of frugivores, fitting the definition of a keystone species.

• Assumption 2 is invalid because the text says fig trees are common where other large trees are absent, not that they grow where other species *cannot* grow.

• Assumption 3 is valid as the passage links sacred fig trees to promoting frugivore abundance in disturbed sites, implying a role in biodiversity conservation.

• Assumption 4 is valid because the passage notes that under favourable microclimates, seedlings of other tree species grow around fig trees, implying a role in their establishment/dispersal.

• Therefore, assumptions 1, 3, and 4 are valid, making option (d) the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only
Option (a) is incorrect because it includes assumption 2, which is not supported by the passage, and excludes assumptions 3 and 4, which are valid.
(b) 3 only
Option (b) is incorrect because it only includes assumption 3, ignoring the valid assumptions 1 and 4.
(c) 2 and 4 only
Option (c) is incorrect because it includes assumption 2, which is invalid, and excludes assumptions 1 and 3, which are valid.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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