Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs
This category comprises 50 random questions from the total 98 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs category published in gktoday from 1 January, 2019 till September 25, 2020.
31. Trionychidae, that was seen in news recently, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Snake
[C] Turtle
[D] Owl
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Turtle]
Notes:
Recently, a rare species of Trionychidae turtle was caught by local fishermen at Deuli Dam under the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
It was rescued and released by the forest department in Deuli dam. Trionychidae turtles are softshell turtles, that are usually found in Africa, Asia, and North America. As per the forest department, the turtles weigh more than 30 kilograms and has a maximum life is 50 years.
32. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon occurs during which period of the year?
[A] July-August
[B] June-September
[C] September-December
[D] August-November
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June-September]
Notes:
As per the recent announcement from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon arrived on time over the Kerala coast. The southwest monsoon usually occurs in the period of June-September.
IMD declares the start of the monsoon when 60% of the 14 meteorological stations in Kerala record 2.5mm of more rains for two consecutive days. The other two factors are the westerlies (winds) and the outgoing longwave radiation. IMD also revised the forecast for rains to 102% of long-period average.
33. As per the State of India’s Birds report, 15 birds of which state have been flagged among ‘species of concern’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Assam
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) recently released the State of India’s Birds report. As per the report, 15 bird species of Kerala have been flagged among ‘species of concern’.
The bird species on the list include Banasura, Ashambu laughingthrushes, White-bellied Sholakili, Broad-tailed grassbird, Nilgiri thrush, Nilgiri pipit and White-rumped vulture among others. The authorities said that the entry of two bird species- Heart-spotted woodpecker and Forest wagtail is more concerning.
34. Which animal species recorded an increase by nearly 29 per cent, as per a report from the forest department?
[A] Bengal Tiger
[B] Asiatic Lion
[C] One-horned Rhinoceros
[D] Snow Leopard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asiatic Lion]
Notes:
As per the recent report from the State Forest department, the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat’s Gir forest has increased by almost 29 per cent.
The exercise also found that the area inhabited by lions has increased by 36 per cent from 22,000 sq km in 2015 to 30,000 sq km in 2020, which is an increase of 36%. The increase of Asiatic lion population is possible due to the participation of local community. The Environment Ministry said that a land project being undertaken will further help in the conservation of Lions.
35. Which type of animal is Stegodon, the fossil of which has been recently found in Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Elephant
[B] Turtle
[C] Giraffe
[D] Lion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Elephant]
Notes:
The fossil of Stegodon, a variety of the elephant, was recently discovered near Saharanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Stegodon is an extinct type of elephant with unique tusks and molars, that was found at an early age in Asia and Africa. The fossil found is claimed to be five to eight million years old and from the Dhok Pathan formation of Siwalik range. More researches are to be carried out in the vicinity of the place.
36. As per a recent study, the 68 million-year-old egg found nine years ago, might belong to which species?
[A] Mosasaur
[B] Hainosaurus
[C] Tylosaurus
[D] Prognathodon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mosasaur]
Notes:
As per a new study published in the journal Nature, the 68 million-year-old egg found nine years ago, might belong to Mosasaur.
The fossilised egg is the second-largest to be discovered in the world. It is also the largest soft-shelled egg to be found in Antarctica. Mosasaurs are an extinct species of large marine reptiles which lived in the dinosaur era in Antarctica.
37. ‘Striped Hairstreak and Elusive Prince’ are the recently discovered species of which creature?
[A] Turtle
[B] Snake
[C] Butterfly
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Butterfly]
Notes:
Lepidopterists, those who specialises in studying moths and butterflies, have recently discovered two new species of butterflies namely Striped Hairstreak and Elusive Prince in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Striped Hairstreak was first recorded in Japan and the Elusive Prince was discovered in Vietnam. As per the Society for Education and Environmental Development (SEED), the discovery of two new species have increased the number of butterfly species of the country to 1327.
38. The algae species Ancylonema nordenskioeldii, is said to be the reason of the recent pink appearance of which mountain range?
[A] Alps
[B] Andes
[C] Alaska
[D] Himalayas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alps]
Notes:
A mysterious appearance of pink glacial ice was found in the highest mountain range lying across Europs, the Alps.
The species of algae known as Ancylonema nordenskioeldii, that is present in Greenland is said to be the reason for this phenomenon. The ice is said to be melting in the same place. Scientists say that this is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the spring and summer.
39. ‘Golden Birdwing’, that was seen in news recently, belongs to which family of species?
[A] Humming Bird
[B] Butterfly
[C] Spider
[D] Snake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Butterfly]
Notes:
As per the latest issue of a research newsletter on life forms- ‘Bionotes’, a Himalayan butterfly named ‘Golden Birdwing’ is declared the largest butterfly of India.
Until now, another butterfly named the Southern Birdwing holds the record of the country’s largest butterfly for 88 years, after a British military officer and butterfly researcher recorded it in 1932. The female Golden Birdwing has a wingspan of 194 mm, larger than that of the Southern Birdwing.
40. Which organisation estimated that the average global temperatures would rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius, in next five years?
[A] Food and Agricultural Organisation
[B] World Meteorological Organization
[C] International Maritime Organisation
[D] International Atomic Energy Agency
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Meteorological Organization]
Notes:
As per the recent release from the United Nations’ weather agency, the World Meteorological Organization, the average global temperatures would rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius, in the coming 5 years.
This rise is above the pre-industrial average of the global temperature. As per the research of various scientists, due to man-made greenhouse emissions, the average temperatures around the world is already above 1 degree Celsius, than that during 1850-1900.
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