Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
11. How many number of the Biogeographic zones are present in India?
[A] 4
[B] 8
[C] 10
[D] 15
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10]
Notes:
10 Biogeographic zones are Trans Himalayan zone, Himalayan zone, Desert zone, Semiarid zone, Western ghat zone, Deccan plateau zone, Gangetic plain zone, North east zone, Coastal zone and Islands present near the shore line
12. An aquatic plant introduced from America to check pollution turned out to be a troublesome weed in Indian water bodies. The name of this ‘invasive alien species’ is :
[A] Opuntia
[B] Aegilops
[C] Eichhornia
[D] Pistia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eichhornia]
Notes:
Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as Common Water Hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often considered a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. The plant was introduced by Belgian colonists to Rwanda to beautify their holdings and then advanced by natural means to Lake Victoria where it was first sighted in 1988. There, without any natural enemies, it has become an ecological plague, suffocating the lake, diminishing the fish reservoir, and hurting the local economies.
13. In recent times, the “Biological passport” has been of immense use in ___:
[A] Diagnosis of fatal diseases at a very early stage
[B] Understanding the evolution of various organisms
[C] Determine the complete genome sequence of an organism
[D] Eliminating doping in sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Eliminating doping in sports]
Notes:
“Biological passport” has been of immense use in the field of sports, particularly in the context of anti-doping efforts and maintaining fair competition. The Biological Passport is a sophisticated and comprehensive monitoring system that tracks the physiological parameters and biomarkers of athletes over time. It is primarily used in sports to detect and deter the use of performance-enhancing drugs and doping practices.
14. ECOMARC is a symbol related to which of the following?
[A] Goods safe for environment
[B] Best quality
[C] Imported goods
[D] Exported goods
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goods safe for environment]
Notes:
Ecomark or Eco mark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to products conforming to a set of standards aimed at the least impact on the ecosystem. The marking scheme was started in 1991.
15. Which of the following is the process of “Mulching” the soil? (UPSC Prelims 1983)
[A] Big pieces of soil are broken down into smaller pieces
[B] The field is irrigated at regular intervals
[C] Transplanting of seedlings take place
[D] Loose material, dung, etc. are laid on the ground to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion of the soil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Loose material, dung, etc. are laid on the ground to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion of the soil]
Notes:
Mulching is a covering, as of straw, compost, or plastic sheeting, spread on the ground around plants to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion, enrich the soil, inhibit weed growth, etc. Mulching reduces evaporation. Mulch also helps to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and it adds nutrients to the soil.
16. Acid rain is caused by pollution of environment by? (UPSC Prelims 1988)
[A] Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
[B] Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
[C] Ozone and carbon dioxide
[D] Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide]
Notes:
Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.
17. Where is the headquarters of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Ranchi
[C] Shimla
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dehradun]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Environment and Forests of government of India. It is headquartered in Dehradun.
18. Which of the following are the constituents of Photochemical Smog?
- Sunlight
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Nitrogen Oxides
Select the correct answer from the codes given below-
[A] 1,2,3
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1,2,3]
Notes:
Photochemical smog is the pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxide and one of the Volatile organic compound.
19. Which of the following are the main sources of indoor air pollution?
- Excess moisture
- New carpets
- Outdoor pollution
- Pesticide
Select the correct answer from the codes given below-
[A] 1,2,3,4
[B] 3 and 4 only
[C] 1,2 and 4 only
[D] 2,3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1,2,3,4]
Notes:
Indoor pollution is caused by inadequate ventilation, release of radon gas, outdoor pollution, pesticides, excess moisture within the house. While installing new carpets some adhesives are used which release volatile organic compounds thus causing indoor pollution.
20. Which of the following is true with reference to the spraying of DDT?
[A] It cause air pollution only
[B] It cause water pollution only
[C] It cause soil pollution only
[D] It cause air, water and soil pollution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It cause air, water and soil pollution]
Notes:
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT is a insecticide that can cause air, water and soil pollution.
