Q. Consider the following plants:
1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct answer: (c) All three
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea):
Also known as peanut, groundnut is indeed a member of the pea family (Fabaceae). Despite its common name suggesting it’s a nut, it’s actually a legume.
2. Horse-gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum):
Horse-gram is also a member of the pea family (Fabaceae). It’s a legume crop primarily grown in India and other parts of South Asia.
3. Soybean (Glycine max):
Soybean is another member of the pea family (Fabaceae). It’s one of the most important legume crops worldwide.