Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2018 · Environment · Question 86

Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

  1. Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
  2. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
  3. Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
  4. None of these

Answer

It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

  • (a) Incorrect. Prosopis juliflora is mainly discussed in India as an invasive alien species, not for any major cosmetic use.
  • (b) Correct. It spreads aggressively in arid and semi-arid regions, displacing native vegetation and thereby reducing local biodiversity.
  • (c) Incorrect. It is not commonly cited in UPSC-relevant current affairs for pesticide synthesis; its news relevance is chiefly due to its ecological impact.
  • (d) Incorrect. Since (b) is correct, this option cannot be right.
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