Consider the following statements: 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. 3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. 5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Option (b): - Statement 3: Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is widely collected as a minor forest produce in India. This collection is often undertaken by tribal and rural communities, contributing to their economic sustenance. - Statement 4: India is a significant producer and exporter of both tamarind and moringa seeds. These commodities are utilized in various sectors, including food, medicine, and industrial applications. - Statement 5: The seeds of both moringa (Moringa oleifera) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) possess oil content suitable for the production of biofuels, particularly biodiesel, indicating their potential as renewable energy sources. Incorrect Options: - Statement 1: Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is not a leguminous tree; it belongs to the family Moringaceae. Furthermore, it is a deciduous tree, not an evergreen one, as it sheds its leaves seasonally. - Statement 2: The tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa. Although it is widely cultivated and naturalized in South Asia, it is not endemic to the region. An endemic species is exclusively found in a specific geographical area. Given that statements 1 and 2 are incorrect, options (a), (c), and (d), which include either or both of these statements, are invalid. Option (b) correctly comprises only the accurate statements 3, 4, and 5.

IAS 2021 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2021mcqmedium

Consider the following statements:

Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2, 4 and 5
B3, 4 and 5
C1, 3 and 4
D1, 2, 3 and 5

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option (b):

Statement 3: Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is widely collected as a minor forest produce in India. This collection is often undertaken by tribal and rural communities, contributing to their economic sustenance.
Statement 4: India is a significant producer and exporter of both tamarind and moringa seeds. These commodities are utilized in various sectors, including food, medicine, and industrial applications.
Statement 5: The seeds of both moringa (Moringa oleifera) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) possess oil content suitable for the production of biofuels, particularly biodiesel, indicating their potential as renewable energy sources.

Incorrect Options:

Statement 1: Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is not a leguminous tree; it belongs to the family Moringaceae. Furthermore, it is a deciduous tree, not an evergreen one, as it sheds its leaves seasonally.
Statement 2: The tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa. Although it is widely cultivated and naturalized in South Asia, it is not endemic to the region. An endemic species is exclusively found in a specific geographical area.

Given that statements 1 and 2 are incorrect, options (a), (c), and (d), which include either or both of these statements, are invalid. Option (b) correctly comprises only the accurate statements 3, 4, and 5.

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