Prelims 2021 · Environment · Question 63
Consider the following statements:<br/>1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.<br/>2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.<br/>3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.<br/>4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.<br/>5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer
3, 4 and 5
1. Moringa is a leguminous evergreen tree — Incorrect. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) belongs to family Moringaceae, not Fabaceae/legume family; it is generally a fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen tree.
2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia — Incorrect. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is widely regarded as native to tropical Africa and was introduced early into South Asia; so it is not endemic to South Asia.
3. In India, most tamarind is collected as minor forest produce — Correct. In India, a substantial share of tamarind is gathered from forests and treated as Minor Forest Produce (MFP), especially by tribal communities.
4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa — Correct. India exports tamarind products and also moringa seeds (besides leaves/powder/pods) to international markets.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels — Correct. Moringa seed oil is a known biodiesel feedstock, and tamarind seed derivatives have also been studied/used for biofuel-related applications.
Hence, the correct statements are 3, 4 and 5.