Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
11. The Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoEF) has recommended for “in-principle” permission for exploration of Uranium in Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana. The approval comes despite contrary reports by forest officials after field inspections. The revised proposal seeks permission for exploration of uranium in 76 km in Amrabad and Udumilla regions, besides 7 km in the adjoining Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, for use in nuclear power generation. The report noted that the environmental impact of mining included erosion, formation of sink holes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of groundwater, surface water and soil, which could affect wildlife. However, the revised proposals will not need approval from the State Board of Wildlife again. They will be sent directly to the advisory panel for final approval, after which the State government will need to issue permission through formal orders. In India, uranium deposit discovered till now was either of low grade or of low tonnage or of both low grade and low tonnage.
12. How does the water from a well be purified before drinking?
[A] Boil it
[B] Use ion exchange resins
[C] Use solar stills for distilling
[D] Use potassium permanganate for purifying the water
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Use potassium permanganate for purifying the water]
Notes:
Potassium permanganate is a point-of-entry treatment method that oxidizes dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide into solid particles that are filtered out of the water. It can also be used to control iron bacteria growth in wells.
13. 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 covers the soil surface with material such as straw, leaves or other suitable coverings. It reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature and can protect against erosion. Organic mulches can also add organic matter as they decompose.
14. Which of the following refers to the Mixed farming? (UPSC Prelims 1986)
[A] Growing two crops at one time
[B] Growing different crops in succession
[C] Using different soils
[D] Agriculture involving crops and livestock
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Agriculture involving crops and livestock]
Notes:
Mixed farming combines crop cultivation and livestock rearing on a farm. Growing two crops together is mixed cropping, while growing crops in sequence is crop rotation.
15. In mixed cropping, which of the following chiefly helps reduce competition for the same soil nutrients? (UPSC Prelims 1987)
[A] Crops with varying maturity periods are sown together
[B] Crops with same maturity period are sown together
[C] Different soils are used for the same crops
[D] Crops with different nutritional requirements are grown
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Crops with different nutritional requirements are grown]
Notes:
Combining crops with complementary nutrient requirements can reduce direct competition for the same soil nutrients. Mixed cropping may also combine different maturity periods, so the question specifically asks about nutrient competition.
16. Which of the following are the functions of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)?
1. Regulation of acts prohibited under the Act
2. Advise the Government of India on conservation of biodiversity
3. Advise the Government of India on selection of biological heritage sites
4. Take appropriate steps for opposing grant of intellectual property rights in foreign countries, arising from the use of biological resources or
associated traditional knowledge
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The functions of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) are as follows:
1. Regulation of acts prohibited under the Act.
2. Advise the Government of India on conservation of biodiversity.
3. Advise the Government of India on selection of biological heritage sites.
4. Take appropriate measures for opposing grant of intellectual property rights in foreign countries, arising from the use of biological resources or associated traditional knowledge.
17. Which of the following is true about Commensalism biotic interaction?
[A] One species is benefited and the other is unaffected
[B] Both the species benefits
[C] Both the species are harmed
[D] One specie is harmed and other is unaffected
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [One species is benefited and the other is unaffected]
Notes:
Commensalism is a form of biotic interaction in which one specie is benefitted while the other is unaffected. Example- Cow dung providing the shelter to the dung beetles.
18. Which of the following is true about Asiatic Elephant?
- Its IUCN status is endangered
- It is under the first schedule of Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Select the correct answer from the codes given below
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both]
Notes:
Asiatic Elephant is found in India, Srilanka, Indonesia etc. Its IUCN status is Endangered and it is given protection under the schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
19. Which of the following components are considered as the Biotic components?
1) Water
2) Soil
3) Symbionts
4) Non-green plants
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 4
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 3 & 4
[D] Only 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 3 & 4]
Notes:
The relationship and interaction between different organisms and the environment are highly complex. It comprises both biotic and abiotic components. Some of the Biotic components are Green plants, Non-green plants, Decomposers, Parasites, Symbionts, Animals, Man.
20. Which of the following statements are correct?
1. Gaseous Cycles are those where the reservoir is the atmosphere or the hydrosphere.
2. Sedimentary Cycle are those where the reservoir is the earth’s crust.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Gaseous Cycles are those where the reservoir is the atmosphere or the hydrosphere. Sedimentary Cycle are those where the reservoir is the earth’s crust.
