Topic Mutualism
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 4 years (2021–2025), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 2 years (2021–2025)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2021 → GEO 2025
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (2 of 2) 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.
GEO2025
Which of the following associations is/are example/examples of mutualism?
- Mycorrhizae : Fungi and roots of higher plants
- Lichens : Fungi and photosynthetic algae
- Pollination : Mustard flower and honeybees
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1, 2 and 3 ✓
- D 1 and 3 only
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
CSE2021
Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
- Cnidarians
- Fungi
- Protozoa
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
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