How to prepare/revise foundational topics in ecology for UPSC Prelims?

Preparing a checklist of those basic concepts can help you revise better.

Core components of the environment, different types of ecosystems, and the structure and functionality of ecosystems are important for the Prelims Exam.

We can expect at least one question from this area. However, the utility of this module goes beyond the number of questions. Knowledge of these topics is so fundamental that it helps to solve several questions from other areas as well.

UPSC is almost predictable in this area.

It has asked a question from the sixth level NCERT, asking an aspirant to identify the correct description of an ecosystem in 2015. It has also asked aspirants to find the functions of a wetland. There were also questions to identify a biome from a description. I believe that UPSC deliberately pushes these questions to give an illusory feeling that the paper remains true to its name - 'General Studies'.

I recall a court submission by UPSC in 2021. While opposing a plea for an extra chance for last-attempt candidates in the civil service exams due to COVID, UPSC submitted before the Supreme Court that the prelims are "not an exam which requires more than one month's preparation". I wonder if UPSC perhaps submitted these questions as evidence to support this claim!

Setting stories aside, we must understand that such questions are free hits in a limited ball match. If you miss them, the competition will push you off the marks!

Let's come back to the topic.

There were questions on biogeochemical cycles that test the fundamental understanding of how these cycles work. Though the question on the identification of nitrogen-fixing plants seems a little tough, UPSC is not too technical or random in this area.

The materials available to study these topics are precise and to the point. PMF IAS's initial chapters on this topic are rewarding. Some of the NCERT chapters in the topics (9th Natural Vegetation and Wildlife - Geography NCERT, 12th Biology: Chapters Organisms and Population + Chapter Ecosystem, 9th Science: Biogeochemical Cycles in the Natural Resource Chapter, 7th Science: Adaptation in Animals - 7th chapter) have the potential to trigger direct questions.

Preparing a checklist of those basic concepts can help you revise better. Moreover, make sure that you have saved sensible biogeochemical cycle diagrams. Ensure that you are thorough with components, structure, and functionalities of ecosystems really well. This area should not trouble you much!

Access the resources we have shared with our students here.