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?
A
1, 2, 4 and 5
B
3, 4 and 5
Correct Answer
C
1, 3 and 4
D
1, 2, 3 and 5
Explanation
Option (b) is correct because tamarind is a major Minor Forest Produce (MFP) in India, the country is a leading exporter of both moringa seeds and tamarind, and the high oil content in their seeds makes them suitable for biofuel production. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect because Moringa is a deciduous tree (not evergreen) and Tamarind is native to tropical Africa, not endemic to South Asia. The core concept being tested is economic botany, specifically the botanical classification, geographical origin, and commercial applications of common Indian flora.
BotanyCharacteristics and Uses of Moringa and TamarindMoringadrumstick treeleguminousevergreenTamarind treeSouth Asiaminor forest produceexportsbiofuels