Topic Endemism
Asked 6 times across 3 UPSC exams over 15 years (2011–2026), peaking in 2024.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 4 of 6 PYQs
- Most asked in 2024
- Recurs across 5 years (2011–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2011 → CAPF 2024 → GEO 2025
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (5 of 6) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CSE2026
Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid)
- It is an epiphytic orchid
- The species is endemic to North-east India
- It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 3 ✓
- C 2 and 3
- D 3 only
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Conservation
GEO2025
Which one of the following is an example of endemic plant species of India?
- A Prosopis juliflora
- B Nepenthes khasiana ✓
- C Lantana camara
- D Parthenium hysterophorus
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Conservation
CSE2024
Consider the following
- Cashew
- Papaya
- Red sanders
How many of the above trees are actually native to India ?
- A Only one ✓
- B Only two
- C All three
- D None
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Conservation
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