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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2001
Health & Medicine
Question No. 392Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q392. Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for:

Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2001 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (B) — Mechanical support

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Epiphytes (or 'air plants' such as many orchids, ferns, and bromeliads) grow on the branches and trunks of other trees primarily for mechanical support (commensalism) to reach adequate sunlight in dense forest canopies. They are not parasitic; they synthesize their own food and absorb moisture and nutrients directly from rain, air, and organic debris via specialized aerial roots (e.g., velamen tissue).

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Epiphytes vs. Parasites: Parasites take food/water directly from the host plant via haustoria; epiphytes only perch on the host tree for structural support.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2001 (Q392)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — Mechanical support

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2001 Q392

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2001 GS Paper I Question 392 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2001 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (B): "Mechanical support". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2001 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Epiphytes vs. Parasites: Parasites take food/water directly from the host plant via haustoria; epiphytes only perch on the host tree for structural support.

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