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Topic Nutrient cycling
Asked 3 times across 2 UPSC exams over 3 years (2021–2024), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 3 years (2021–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2021 → CISF 2024
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (3 of 3) 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.
CISF2024
The process of degradation of humus by some microorganisms and release of inorganic nutrients is known as
- A eutrophication
- B mineralization ✓
- C humification
- D stratification
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
CSE2023
Consider the following statements
Statement IThe soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients
Statement IIThe high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- B Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- C Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- D Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
CSE2021
In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?
- A Carbon cycle
- B Nitrogen cycle
- C Phosphorus cycle ✓
- D Sulphur cycle
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystems
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