IAS Main Botany Question Paper I 2010

BOTANY

Paper I

Time Allowed: Three Hours

Maximum Marks: 300

INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hind and in English.

Answer must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt Questions no.1 and 5 which are remaining question selecting at least one question from each Section.

The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.

Provide diagrams in the answer books, wherever diagram in the answer books, wherever necessary.

SECTION A

1. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

Give an account of Heterothallism in fungi. 15

Describe the process through which the bacterial genes the transferred from one bacterium to another by the viruses. 15

Comment on Heterospory in Pteridophytes and its bevolutionary significance. 15

How would you test the clonal fidelity of the micropropagated plants Describe. 15

2. Discuss ecological significance of Lichens. 20

Distinguish clearly between Keratinophilic and Thermophilic fungi. 20

Draw labelled diagrams of transverse and longitudinal sections of sporocarp of Marsilea. 20

3. What are somaclonal variations How are these utilized for crop improvement 20

What is important of Bacillus thuringiensis in the current efforts to raise crop productivity 20

Write a note on Psilotum as a living fossil. 20

4. Differentiate the archegonium of Funaria from that of Anthoceros. 20

With suitable example briefly describe the microbinal processes occurring in the rhizosphere which help in plant growth. 25

Five different types of spores are produced by the rust fungi. Mention their names and their salient points of distinction from each other. 15

SECTION B

5. Answer the following in about 150 words each

Origin of angiosperms from gymnosperms is suggested on the basis of vessels. Give your critical comments.

Describe the development of pollen exine and point out the role of sporopollenin.

Name five edible oil yielding plants. Give their botanical names and families.

Describe the fructification in Williamsonia.

6. With the help of labelled diagrams, compare the female gametophyte of Cycas with that of Gnetum. 20

What are the changes that occur during the conversion of sapwood into heartwood Which is more durable- sapwood or heartwood, and why 20

Discuss whether the angiosperms are monophyletic or polyphyletic. 20

7. Give an account of the main events in the differentiation of a tracheary element. 20

Give the botanical names of the plant species, their families, part used and the uses of annatto and heematoxylin. 20

Define agamospermy. What is its significance in crop improvement 20

8. Describe the structure and function of synergids in angiosperms. 20

With suitable examples, enumerate the floral characteristics of bird pollinated trees. 20

Compare the androecium in the following groups of families: 20

Malvaceae and Fabacease

Asclepiadaceae and Asteraceae

Solanaceae and Brassicaceae