1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes
3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) 1 and 3 Only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: b
Explanation:
Oil palm trees are native to Africa but were brought to South-East Asia just over 100 years ago as an ornamental tree crop. Now, Indonesia and Malaysia make up over 85% of global supply but there are 42 other countries that also produce palm oil.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Palm oil is versatile. It is a part of our daily lives, from many of the foods we eat, especially packaged foods, to consumer goods. Beyond enhancing the texture and durability of consumer goods, it plays a vital role in industries like pharmaceuticals and biofuels, contributing significantly to global trade and employment.
Palm oil, obtained from fruits, is used in making soaps, cosmetics, candles, biofuels, and lubricating greases and in processing tinplate and coating iron plates.
Hence, statements 2 & 3 are correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC Geography Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2022