Consider the following organisms : 1. Agaricus 2. Nostoc 3. Spirogyra Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?
- A(a) 1 and 2
- B(b) 2 onlyCorrect
- C(c) 2 and 3
- D(d) 3 only
Explanation
The correct answer is B) 2 only (Nostoc).
Nostoc is a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) capable of nitrogen fixation. This means it converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a form usable by plants. Therefore, it's widely used as a biofertilizer, particularly in rice paddies.
Agaricus is a genus of mushrooms. While beneficial as a food source and in decomposition, it doesn't fix nitrogen and isn't used as a biofertilizer.
Spirogyra is a filamentous green algae. It contributes to oxygen production through photosynthesis but doesn't fix nitrogen and isn't a biofertilizer.
Therefore:
Option A (1 and 2) is incorrect because Agaricus is not a biofertilizer.
Option C (2 and 3) is incorrect because Spirogyra is not a biofertilizer.
Option D (3 only) is incorrect because Spirogyra is not a biofertilizer.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred 1. across different species of plants 2. from animals to plants 3. from microorganisms to higher organisms Select the co…
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced …
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? 1. Chikungunya 2. Hepatitis B 3. HIV-AIDS Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars, etc., because
- Prelims 2013GS1science-and-technology
Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the following physical phenomena are responsible for this?