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Environment & EcologyHardAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper I

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements : I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.I only
  2. B.I and II
  3. C.II only
  4. D.II and III

Correct answer

D. II and III

Explanation

The correct answer is D, II and III. The Gooty tarantula is a tree-dwelling spider found only in a few forest patches of India; it is not a crustacean.

The peacock or Gooty tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is named after Gooty in Andhra Pradesh, where it was first described. It is endemic to India and survives in small, scattered patches of dry deciduous forest in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, so statement II is correct. It lives in holes and crevices of tall trees, making it an arboreal species, so statement III is correct. Habitat loss from logging has made it Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its bright metallic blue colour also makes it a target of the pet trade.

Statement I is wrong: a tarantula is a spider, an arachnid with eight legs, and it is a carnivore that eats insects; crustaceans are crabs, prawns and their relatives.

So A, B and C are wrong.

Exam tip: Gooty tarantula = arboreal spider (arachnid), endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, Critically Endangered.

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Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.

II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.I and III only
  2. B.II only
  3. C.II and III only
  4. D.I, II and III
Show answer
Correct answer: C. II and III only

India is the second-largest emitter of fuel-combustion CO2 in the Asia-Pacific after China, and power and heat generation is its biggest source, but its per capita emissions are well above 0.5 tonne.

Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to

  1. A.Developing solar power production in our country
  2. B.Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
  3. C.Exporting our food products to other countries
  4. D.Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Developing solar power production in our country

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) is the rule that certain solar projects must use solar cells and modules made in India.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

  1. A.Creating the artificial rains in some regions
  2. B.Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
  3. C.Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
  4. D.Reducing the global warming
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Reducing the global warming

Both ideas are geoengineering proposals meant to cool the planet by changing how much heat enters or leaves the Earth.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

1. Cnidarians

2. Fungi

3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Cnidarians, fungi and protozoa all include species that live in close, mutually useful partnerships with other organisms. Symbiosis means two different species living closely together, often to the benefit of both.

Q5.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following pairs :

Terms sometimes seen in the news — Their origin

1. Annex-I Countries — Cartagena Protocol

2. Certified Emissions Reductions — Nagoya Protocol

3. Clean Development Mechanism — Kyoto Protocol

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 3 only

All three terms come from the climate treaties, the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, so only the third pair is right.