Biology · Chapter 17 of 19

Ecology, Ecosystem & Biodiversity: BPSC & UPPCS Prelims PYQs

12 previous-year questions on Ecology, Ecosystem & Biodiversity. Each one opens to its answer and explanation.

1. 1. UPPSC Prelims 2025

   With reference to 'Ecosystem', which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. Green plants in terrestrial ecosystem capture about 1% of energy of the sunlight that falls on their leaves.
   2. Around 10% of organic matter reaches to the next higher level of consumers. Select the correct answer from the code given below:

   1. AOnly 1
   2. BNeither 1 nor 2
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DOnly 2
   Answer and explanation →

2. 2. UPPSC Prelims 2025

   With reference to lichens, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. Lichens are very good indicators of pollution.
   2. Lichens grow well in polluted areas. Select the correct answer from the code given below:

   1. AOnly 1
   2. BBoth 1 and 2
   3. CNeither 1 nor 2
   4. DOnly 2
   Answer and explanation →

3. 3. 70th BPSC Prelims 2024

   The process of breaking down organic matter by microorganisms is called?

   1. ARespiration
   2. BPhotosynthesis
   3. CDecomposition
   4. DFermentation
   Answer and explanation →

4. 4. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

   Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Gangetic Dolphin’:
   1. The Gangetic River Dolphin has been categorized as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
   2. It does not have a crystalline eye lens rendering it effectively blind.
   3. Navigation and hunting are carried out using echolocation.
   4. It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal. Which of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly 1, 2 and 4
   2. BOnly 2, 3 and 4
   3. COnly 1, 3 and 4
   4. DAll of the above
   Answer and explanation →

5. 5. UPPSC Prelims 2023

   Desert dwelling animals are called-

   1. AXericoles animals
   2. BArboreal animals
   3. CFossorial animals
   4. DTerrestrial animals
   Answer and explanation →

6. 6. 67th BPSC Prelims 2022

   What are salt-loving plants called?

   1. AMesophytes
   2. BGlycophytes
   3. CHalophytes
   4. DXerophytes
   5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

7. 7. UPPSC Prelims 2022

   Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) is a

   1. ANon-pollutant
   2. BNon-biodegradable pollutant
   3. CBiodegradable pollutant
   4. DBiochemical pollutant
   Answer and explanation →

8. 8. UPPSC Prelims 2020

   The concept of 'Ecological Transition' was first used by

   1. AElton
   2. BBennett
   3. CBerkeley
   4. DRatzel
   Answer and explanation →

9. 9. 65th BPSC Prelims 2019

   The interaction between algae and fungi to form lichens is called

   1. AParasitism
   2. BMutualism
   3. CCommensalism
   4. DConversion
   5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

10. 10. UPPSC Prelims 2019

    Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R) Assertion (A): Maximum number of the species of butterflies are found in tropical countries. Reason (R): Butterflies can not tolerate low temperatures. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. C(A) is true but (R) is false
    4. D(A) is false but (R) is true
    Answer and explanation →

11. 11. UPPSC Prelims 2015

    The most important factor contributing to the loss of vulture population in India is

    1. AViral infection
    2. BBacterial infection
    3. CAdministering of painkillers to cattle
    4. DAdministering of injection to cattle
    Answer and explanation →

12. 12. UPPSC Prelims 2014

    Ozone protects biosphere from

    1. AInfra-red rays
    2. BUltraviolet rays
    3. CX-rays
    4. DGamma rays
    Answer and explanation →