(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam Paper - 2017 : Botany
BOTANY
(Paper - I)
Time Allowed : Three Hours
Maximum Marks : 250
Question Paper Specific Instructions
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting
questions :
There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS and printed
both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining,
any THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from
each section.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate
which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA)
Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a
medium other than the authorized one.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
Diagrams/figures, wherever required, may be drawn in the space provided for
answering the question itself.
Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order. Unless struck
off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page
or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be
clearly struck off.
SECTION A
Q1. Describe the following in about 150 words each :
(a) Parasexuality in Fungi
(b) Phycobiliproteins
(c) Tetrapolar Heterothallism
(d) Salient features of Lichens
(e) Peristome
Q2. (a) What is meant by Modelling and how does it help in disease
forecasting ?
(b) Describe the diplobiontic life cycle of Polysiphonia.
(c) Draw a well-labelled diagram of L.S. of Gnetum ovule and briefly describe
its female gametophyte also.
Q3. (a) Describe the symptoms, causal organisms and control measures
of white rust of crucifers and red rot of sugarcane.
(b) Make a comparison of Hepaticopsida, Anthocerotopsida and Bryopsida classes
of Bryophyta with special reference to sporophytes only.
(c) Give an account of distribution of living Gymnosperms in India.
Q4. (a) Give an account of genetic recombination in bacteria.
(b) Describe the evolution of Stellar System in Pteridophyta with proper
diagrams.
(c) Give an account of different modes of transmission of plant viruses.
SECTION B
Q5. Describe the following in about 150 words each :
(a) Embryology in relation to Taxonomy, with examples
(b) Vavilov's centers of origin in plants
(c) Symmetry in plants with relation to morphogenesis
(d) International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
(e) Androgenic haploid plants
Q6. (a) Comment on polyembryony and apomixis in flowering plants.
(b) Write an account of Ethnobotany in relation to modern day drug discovery.
(c) "Clonal micropropagation is useful in Floriculture industry.” Explain the
process with some suitable examples.
Q7. (a) Describe the classification given by Engler and Prantl and
comment on its merits and demerits.
(b) Give an account of the following :
(i) Developmental details of interxylary phloem
(ii) Anomalous secondary growth in Dracaena stem
(c) Explain the somaclonal variations and their applications in plant
breeding.
Q8. (a) Write an account of the following families with reference to
floral diagram and floral formula. Give botanical names of four important plant
species belonging to each of the families and specify their uses :
(i) Cucurbitaceae
(ii) Solanaceae
(iii) Liliaceae
(b) Describe the plants used as sources of fibres, dyes and resins with
suitable examples.
(c) Write short notes on the following:
(i) Cytoplasmic hybrids
(ii) Chemotaxonomy
