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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2022
Biodiversity & Conservation
Question No. 175Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q175. “If rainforests and tropical forests are lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statements?

“If rainforests and tropical forests are lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statements?

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 2022 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Wetlands are colloquially termed the 'kidneys of the Earth' because they act as natural bio-filters. Just as biological kidneys filter metabolic waste and maintain fluid balance, wetlands filter pollutants, trap sediments, and purify water. Aquatic plants and associated microbes within wetlands actively absorb heavy metals, excess nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and toxic chemical runoff before the water drains into open water systems.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022 (Q175)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Biodiversity & Conservation
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2022 Q175

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper I Question 175 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2022 Environment and Ecology (Biodiversity & Conservation) question is Option (D): "Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2022 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Environment and Ecology" and micro-topic "Biodiversity & Conservation". You can explore all repeated questions from Biodiversity & Conservation 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 Biodiversity & Conservation UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Biodiversity & Conservation questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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Previous QuestionConsider the following pairs: | Wetland/Lake | Location | | :--- | :--- | | 1. Hokera Wetland | Punjab | | 2. Renuka Wetland | Himachal Pradesh | | 3. Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura | | 4. Sasthamkotta Lake | Tamil Nadu | How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Next QuestionWith reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a fungus. 2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas. 3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?