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Topic Energy flow
Asked 5 times across 2 UPSC exams over 4 years (2019–2023), peaking in 2023.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 3 of 5 PYQs
- Most asked in 2023
- Recurs across 4 years (2019–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CDS 2019 → GEO 2022
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (5 of 5) 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.
CDS2023
Energy and nutrients flow from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem. Which one of the following statements correctly describes the direction of flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem ?
- A Energy flow is cyclic and nutrient flow is unidirectional.
- B Energy flow is unidirectional and nutrient flow is cyclic. ✓
- C Both energy and nutrient flow are unidirectional.
- D Both energy and nutrient flow are cyclic.
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
GEO2023
What is 'bioenergetic approach' in modern ecology?
- A Study of similarities and differences in food relationships among living organisms and various forms of energy supporting their life ✓
- B Study of energy retention by ecosystems under threat
- C Study of energy loss by ecosystems under threat
- D Study of energy in deep oceans during cyclone buildup
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
GEO2022
A juvenile ecosystem is characterized by energy usage which is primarily directed towards
- A multiplication and growth of organisms ✓
- B maintenance of biocenose
- C conservation of biocenose
- D reduced growth of plants
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
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