Lathyrism is caused by excessive consumption of
- AKesari dalCorrect
- BMustard oil
- CPolished rice
- DMushrooms
Explanation
Lathyrism is a neurological disease characterized by the paralysis of the lower limbs. It is caused by the excessive and prolonged consumption of Kesari dal, also known as grass pea or Lathyrus sativus. This pulse contains a neurotoxin called ODAP which damages motor neurons in the spinal cord. It is often consumed by people in drought prone areas as the crop is hardy, but it leads to permanent disability if it becomes a primary staple in the diet.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
In eye donation, which one of the following parts of donor’s eye is utilised?
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following statement: An ordinary light bulb has a rather short life because the I. filament wire is not uniform. II. bulb cannot be evacuated completely. III. wires supporting the filamen…
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
Match the hormones in List I with items in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Adrenaline II. Estrogen III. Insulin IV. Pheromones List II A) Anger, …
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
Match List I (Drugs / Chemicals) with List II (Their uses) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Atropine II. Ether III. Nitro-glycerine IV. Pyrethrin List II …
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
Match List I (Quantity) with List II (Units) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I List II I. High speed A) Mach II. Wavelength B) Angstrom III. Pressure C) Pasca…
- Prelims 1999GS1science-and-technology
For which one of the following is capillarity not the only reason?