Flora & Fauna Dynamics

1. Terrace cultivation: This is a soil conservation technique used on sloping land. It involves creating leveled steps or terraces to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. 2. Deforestation: When trees are cut down, the soil loses the protection provided by their roots. This exposes the soil to wind and rain, making it more susceptible to erosion. Deforestation is a major driver of soil erosion in India. 3. Tropical climate: While heavy rainfall in tropical regions can contribute to soil erosion, it's not the sole factor. Deforestation and poor land management practices exacerbate the issue. Thus, the correct answer is '2 only'.

Statement 1 is correct: Neem oil is a well-known natural pesticide and has been shown to be effective in controlling some insect and mite populations. Statement 2 is incorrect: While there might be some research into using neem seeds for biofuels, it's not a widespread application in 2014 when the question was asked by the UPSC. Hospital detergents typically use stronger and more regulated chemicals. Statement 3 is correct: Neem oil does have applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and some of its properties are being explored in modern medicine for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other potential benefits.

The Gond and Korku tribes, residing in Madhya Pradesh's Betul and Harda districts, celebrate a festival called "Hari Jiroti" during the monsoon season. This month-long festival involves planting saplings of fruit-bearing trees, reflecting their deep connection to nature and sustainable practices.

Statement 1 is correct: Nanoparticles from industry can pollute air, water, and soil due to their small size and resistance to breakdown. This buildup can harm plants, and animals, and even contaminate drinking water. Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can be inadvertently ingested by plants or animals, entering the food chain. As they move up the food chain, they can bioaccumulate in organisms, potentially causing harm at higher trophic levels. Statement 3 is correct: Some nanoparticles can trigger the production of free radicals in cells. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health problems, including inflammation and cancer.

1. Painted Stork: These are wading birds and typically feed on fish, frogs, and insects in shallow water. They are not known for following cattle.
2. Common Myna: These are insectivores and often follow cattle or other grazing animals to catch insects flushed out by their movement.
3. Black-necked Crane: These are primarily herbivores and feed on grains, plants, and aquatic vegetation. They are not known for following cattle for insects. Thus, the correct answer is 2 only.

There are concerns about the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) for two main reasons: Statement 1 is correct: They are highly resistant to degradation. BFRs break down very slowly in the environment, meaning they can persist for a long time. This can lead to them accumulating in the environment over time. Statement 2 is correct: BFRs can accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals (Bioaccumulation). This happens because they are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in fatty tissues.

Continental drift: The movement of continents over millions of years has led to changes in the distribution of landmasses, altering habitats and creating opportunities for species to migrate, adapt, and diversify. It has influenced speciation events by creating barriers to gene flow and promoting allopatric speciation. Glacial cycles: Fluctuations in global climate associated with glacial-interglacial cycles have had profound effects on ecosystems and species distributions. Periods of glaciation have resulted in the expansion and contraction of ice sheets, leading to changes in sea levels, habitats, and the distribution of flora and fauna. These environmental changes have driven evolutionary processes such as adaptation, migration, and extinction. Therefore, both continental drift and glacial cycles have played significant roles in shaping the evolution of organisms.

Hibernation is a state of decreased physiological activity and lowered body temperature that certain animals, such as bats and bears, undergo during the winter months to conserve energy and survive periods of limited food availability. Statement 1 is correct: Bats, especially those living in temperate regions, often enter a state of hibernation during the colder months when their food sources (insects) are scarce. Statement 2 is correct: Bears, including the brown bear, black bear, and polar bear, are well-known hibernators. Statement 3 is correct: Many rodent species, including groundhogs and chipmunks, are true hibernators. Thus, all three statements are correct.

Mites, scorpions, and spiders are all classified within the class Arachnida. Crabs, although arthropods like the others belong to the class Crustacea. Therefore, the crab is the odd one out due to its different taxonomic classification.

Gharial – Critically Endangered. Its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and fishing nets. Leatherback turtle – Vulnerable globally, but in India, it is considered Endangered due to threats like egg poaching and marine pollution. Swamp deer (Barasingha) – Vulnerable, with some subspecies like the Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi critically endangered. In general, considered endangered in certain regions. All three species are under some form of high threat and are considered endangered in India. _NOTE: Endangered means a species is at risk, and IUCN considers Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable as Endangered species. Thus, all the given species are endangered. _ Do not confuse with the IUCN status of the given species; UPSC did not mention the IUCN status in the question.