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Topic Eutrophication
Asked 7 times across 5 UPSC exams over 31 years (1994–2025), peaking in 2011.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 3 of 7 PYQs
- Most asked in 2011
- Recurs across 7 years (1994–2025)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1994 → CDS 2016 → GEO 2022 → CISF 2024 → ESE 2025
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (4 of 7) 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.
ESE2025
'Algal Bloom' is, when unusually large concentrations of
- A Nutrients are present in water bodies; an excess growth of algae appears
- B Planktons are present in water bodies; an excess growth of algae appears
- C Bacteria are present in water bodies; an excess growth of algae appears
- D Oxygen is present in water bodies; an excess growth of algae appears
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
CISF2024
Which of the following are the major contaminants from industries and households that cause cultural eutrophication?
- A Chlorine and aldrin
- B Mercury and nitrates
- C Nitrates and phosphates ✓
- D Phosphates and ammonium
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
GEO2022
The terms 'oligotrophic', 'mesotrophic' and 'eutrophic' are associated with the evolution of
- A scrubland
- B bogs
- C forest
- D lakes ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
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