UPSC QUIZ – ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT (23-05-25)

Q) With respect to the primary productivity of an ecosystem, consider the following statements:

1. Gross primary productivity refers to the rate at which biomass or organic matter is formed during photosynthesis.
2. Net primary productivity refers to the rate at which new organic matter is formed by consumers.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Q) Which of the following statements about an ecosystem is/are correct?

1. Biotic components interact with abiotic factors of the ecosystem, but they do not interact with each other.
2. Organisms in the ecosystem interact with the surrounding environment and exchange both mass and energy with it.
3. Decomposers are not part of an ecosystem.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

Q) Consider the following statements about ecological succession:

1. Allogenic succession is driven by the biotic components of an ecosystem, while autogenic succession is driven by the abiotic components of the ecosystem.
2. Primary succession occurs in a previously disturbed habitat, whereas secondary succession takes place in lifeless areas.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

Q) With reference to ecological pyramids, consider the following statements:

1. The pyramid of biomass in the sea is usually inverted.
2. The pyramid of energy can never be inverted.
3. Saprophytes are not included in ecological pyramids.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?