UPSC Prelims 2012 Q41: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance
of this plant?
1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
3. It has nutritional value and is well - adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub that grows wild in Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti and other cold deserts.
It is called the 'Leh berry'.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification | Correct | Its deep roots bind the soil and fix nitrogen |
| 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel | Incorrect | It is not grown for biodiesel; jatropha is |
| 3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes | Correct | Its berries are very rich in vitamin C; it survives extreme cold |
| 4. Its timber is of great commercial value | Incorrect | It is a shrub, not a timber tree |
Uses of sea buckthorn:
| Use | Detail |
|---|---|
| Food | Juice, jam and health drinks |
| Medicine | Oil used for skin and burns |
| Ecology | Greening of cold deserts |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true; it has nutritional value and suits cold high altitudes.
- (b) Incorrect. It is not a source of biodiesel and it gives no commercial timber.
- (c) CORRECT. It controls soil erosion and is nutritious and suited to cold high areas.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 4 on biodiesel and timber are false.
Key point
Sea buckthorn (Leh berry): cold-desert shrub of Ladakh; binds soil, fixes nitrogen, berries rich in vitamin C; not a biodiesel or timber plant.
Remember
Sea buckthorn = Leh berry, cold desert, vitamin C.
Common mistakes
- Mixing it up with jatropha, the biodiesel plant.
- Assuming every plant promoted by the Government yields timber.
- Thinking it is a sea-coast plant because of the word 'sea'.
Exam tip
A shrub cannot give valuable timber. That removes two options at once.
Sources
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO), Leh — Sea buckthorn research
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — National Mission on Sea Buckthorn