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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1996
Health & Medicine
Question No. 405Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q405. Which one of the following is a modified stem?

Which one of the following is a modified stem?

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 1996 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Potato

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Potato (Solanum tuberosum): An underground modified stem known as a stem tuber. It possesses nodes, internodes, scale leaves, and axillary buds ('eyes') that sprout into new aerial stems.
  • Carrot: A modified taproot specialized for storage.
  • Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): A modified adventitious storage root.
  • Coconut: A fibrous drupe (fruit).
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Differentiate modified stems vs modified roots: Potatoes have 'eyes' (buds at stem nodes), proving they are modified stems, whereas sweet potatoes and carrots are modified roots.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1996 (Q405)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Potato

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1996 Q405

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1996 GS Paper I Question 405 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1996 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (D): "Potato". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1996 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?

Differentiate modified stems vs modified roots: Potatoes have 'eyes' (buds at stem nodes), proving they are modified stems, whereas sweet potatoes and carrots are modified roots.

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