Question 51 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Environm ent

Question

Consider the following plants:
1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. All three

Strategy: Focus on the 'pea family', biologically known as Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Groundnut (peanut), horse-gram, and soybean are major leguminous crops in India. Recognizing each belongs to this family confirms the answer 'All three', simplifying the elimination of other options.

Key Info: Fabaceae, also known as Leguminosae or the pea/legume family, is one of the largest plant families. It includes economically important species cultivated for food, soil enrichment, and forage.

*   **Groundnut** (Arachis hypogaea), commonly known as peanut, is a member of the Fabaceae family. Its seeds develop within pods, characteristic of legumes, and it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for edible seeds and oil.
*   **Horse-gram** (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a lesser-known legume from the same family, primarily grown in dry areas of southern Asia. This pulse is valued for its drought resistance and its use as fodder, green manure, and human consumption.
*   **Soybean** (Glycine max) is also a Fabaceae family member. Native to East Asia, it is one of the most significant protein and oilseed crops globally, used extensively for animal feed, oil extraction, and processed food products.

Members of the Fabaceae family fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, significantly contributing to soil fertility and sustainable agriculture. Excluding these plants from the pea family would be inconsistent with both scientific taxonomy and agricultural classifications.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None

Consider the following plants: Groundnut Horse-gram Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family?

Consider the following plants:

Groundnut

Horse-gram

Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family?