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Question No. 6Interactive Test Mode
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Q6. Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi 3. Protozoa Select the correct answer using the code given below

Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

  1. Cnidarians
  2. Fungi
  3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2021 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — 1, 2 and 3

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

All three groups contain species that engage in mutualistic/symbiotic relationships:

  1. Cnidarians: Corals form a classic symbiotic association with photosynthetic zooxanthellae.
  2. Fungi: Form mycorrhizal associations with plant roots and lichens with cyanobacteria/green algae.
  3. Protozoa: Form endosymbiotic associations in the guts of ruminants and wood-eating termites (e.g., Trichonympha) to help digest cellulose.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Biological extreme-elimination rule: In broad diverse taxonomic kingdoms/phyla, stating that 'not a single species can establish symbiosis' is statistically improbable. 'All of the above' is typically the correct choice for such broad capability questions.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021 (Q6)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Ecology & Ecosystems
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — 1, 2 and 3

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2021 Q6

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I Question 6 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2021 Environment and Ecology (Ecology & Ecosystems) question is Option (D): "1, 2 and 3". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?

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

Biological extremeelimination rule: In broad diverse taxonomic kingdoms/phyla, stating that 'not a single species can establish symbiosis' is statistically improbable. 'All of the above' is typically the correct choice for such broad capability questions.

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