UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

Consider the following: 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None

Answer

Correct Answer

Only one

Explanation

Cashew is native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil, and was introduced into India by the Portuguese. Papaya is native to tropical America, not India. Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), however, is native and endemic to parts of southern India, especially the Eastern Ghats. Therefore, only one of the listed trees is native to India. Options B and C are incorrect because cashew and papaya are not native to India. Option D is incorrect because red sanders is native to India.

Topics: environment, indian endemic flora, native and introduced species, plant biogeography