Prelims 2021

Q. Consider the following statements:

1.Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2.Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
3.In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4.India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5.Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
b) 3, 4, and 5
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Correct Answer: b) 3, 4, and 5

Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper

Explanation : 

Moringa and Tamarind

The Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. This statement is incorrect. Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, is not a leguminous tree. It belongs to the family Moringaceae and is not evergreen in the strictest sense; it can be deciduous in dry conditions.

The Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. This statement is incorrect. The tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is not endemic to South Asia, although it is widely grown there. It is believed to have originated in Africa and is now found in many tropical regions around the world.

In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. This statement is correct. In India, tamarind is often collected from the wild, from trees growing in forests or rural areas, and is considered a minor forest produce.

India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. This statement is correct. India is one of the largest producers of tamarind and moringa, and it exports both the tamarind fruit and the seeds of the moringa tree.

Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. This statement is correct. Seeds from both moringa and tamarind have been researched for their potential use in biofuel production. Moringa seeds contain oil that can be converted into biodiesel, and tamarind seeds contain polysaccharides that can be fermented to produce ethanol.

Given the analysis above, the correct statements are 3, 4, and 5. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is “3, 4, and 5“.

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