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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2013
Ecology & Ecosystems
Question No. 13Interactive Test Mode
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Q13. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

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 2013 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in decreasing order:

  1. Mangroves / Estuaries: Extremely high productivity (~2000 gC/m²/yr) due to continuous nutrient inflow and tidal flushing.
  2. Grasslands: Moderate-to-high productivity (~600–1500 gC/m²/yr) with abundant sunlight.
  3. Lakes: (~300–1000 gC/m²/yr) varying by trophic status.
  4. Open Oceans: Lowest productivity per unit area (~50–200 gC/m²/yr) due to nutrient limitation and limited light penetration at depth.
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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 (Q13)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Ecology & Ecosystems
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2013 Q13

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2013 GS Paper I Question 13 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2013 Environment and Ecology (Ecology & Ecosystems) question is Option (C): "Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2013 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?

To solve Ecology & Ecosystems 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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