UPSC Prelims 2010 Q105: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Checking three claims about the Taxus tree
The Taxus (yew) tree is notable for both its habitat and a valuable medicinal compound.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Naturally found in the Himalayas | Correct | Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) is indeed naturally found across the Himalayan region |
| 2. Listed in the Red Data Book | Correct | Due to over-harvesting for its medicinal compounds, the Himalayan yew is listed as a threatened species in the Red Data Book |
| 3. 'Taxol' from Taxus is effective against Parkinson's disease | Incorrect | Taxol, derived from Taxus, is actually a well-known anti-cancer (chemotherapy) drug, not a treatment for Parkinson's disease |
Taxus tree facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Himalayan region |
| Conservation status | Red Data Book listed (threatened) |
| Taxol's real use | Anti-cancer chemotherapy drug, NOT for Parkinson's |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 (Red Data Book listing) is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 2 — Himalayan habitat and Red Data Book listing — are accurate; statement 3 wrongly attributes taxol's use to Parkinson's disease instead of cancer treatment.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3's Parkinson's claim is false, so '2 and 3 only' is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is inaccurate, so 'all three' cannot be correct.
Key point
The Taxus (yew) tree is found in the Himalayas and is Red Data Book-listed (threatened) due to over-harvesting — but 'taxol', derived from it, is an anti-CANCER drug, not a Parkinson's disease treatment.
Remember
Taxus tree: found in the Himalayas, Red Data Book-listed; its drug 'taxol' treats CANCER, not Parkinson's disease.
Common mistakes
- Confusing taxol's actual medical use (cancer chemotherapy) with an unrelated disease like Parkinson's.
- Not knowing the Himalayan yew's threatened conservation status.
- Assuming every statement about a notable medicinal plant is automatically correct.
Exam tip
Taxol = anti-cancer drug from the Himalayan yew (Taxus), a Red Data Book-listed species. Never link taxol to Parkinson's disease.
Sources
- Botanical Survey of India — Taxus wallichiana in India
- Monroe E. Wall and Mansukh C. Wani — "Camptothecin and Taxol: Discovery to Clinic", Cancer Research, vol. 55 (1995)