UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper I · Q50 of 96 Environment & Ecology medium

Consider the following : 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India ?

  1. (a) Only one ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Only two
  3. (c) All three
  4. (d) None

Why the answer is (a)

• Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is endemic to the Seshachalam and neighbouring hills of southern Andhra Pradesh; it is native to India and heavily smuggled for its red heartwood — item 3 qualifies.

• Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is native to north-eastern Brazil and was brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century, initially to check soil erosion — not native.

• Papaya (Carica papaya) is native to Central America and southern Mexico and likewise arrived through the Portuguese — not native.

• Hence only one of the three trees is native to India, option (a).

• India is nevertheless now a leading producer of both cashew and papaya.

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Only two
Only red sanders is native; cashew and papaya are New World introductions.
(c) All three
Cashew and papaya are not native to India.
(d) None
Red sanders is native to Andhra Pradesh, so the count is not zero.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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