Notes: Natural gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per joule delivered than either coal or oil and far fewer pollutants than other hydrocarbon fuels. However, in absolute terms, it comprises a substantial percentage of human carbon emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow. Third statement is also not correct.
22. Which of the following fauna are endemic to Western Ghats of India?
Malabar Large-spotted Civet
Lion-tailed Macaque
Brown Palm Civet
Nilgiri Tahr
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 4 [B] Only 1 & 2 [C] Only 2 & 4 [D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Notes: India is the only country to grow all four species of cultivated cotton Gossypium arboreum and herbaceum (Asian cotton), G.barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton). Gossypiumhirsutumre presents 90% of the hybrid cotton production in India and all the current Bt cotton hybrids are G.hirsutuim. India produces large number of cotton varieties and hybrids. Though the number of varieties in cultivation exceeds seventy-five, 98% of the production is contributed by about 25 varieties only.
24. Identify the fauna with the help of information given below:
The fauna is endemic to wet evergreen forests in western ghats of India
It is categorised as endangered species of India by IUCN
It is omnivorous in nature, have black coat and have been largely affected by poachers as its meat has medicinal value
[A] rainwater required (evaporated or used directly) to make a product [B] freshwater required for mixing and diluting pollutants enough to maintain water quality according to certain standards [C] surface water and groundwater required (evaporated or used directly) to make a product [D] sea water (evaporated or used directly) to make a product
Correct Answer: B [ freshwater required for mixing and diluting pollutants enough to maintain water quality according to certain standards ]
Notes: Green water footprint is water from precipitation that is stored in the root zone of the soil and evaporated, transpired or incorporated by plants. Blue water footprint is water that has been sourced from surface or groundwater resources and is either evaporated, incorporated into a product or taken from one body of water and returned to another, or returned at a different time. Irrigated agriculture, industry and domestic water use can each have a blue water footprint. Grey water footprint is the amount of fresh water required to assimilate pollutants to meet specific water quality standards.
28. Consider the following statements about CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): 1.CITES is an intergovernmental organisation, restricting international trade of endangered fauna and flora. 2.CITES was drafted of a resolution adopted at general conference of UNESCO. 3.CITES is legally binding on the states ratifying the agreement. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only [B] 2 and 3 Only [C] 1 and 3 Only [D] 1, 2 and 3
Notes: Second statement is incorrect because CITES was drafted under UNEP. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. As a result of convention, all import and export; re-export of plant and animal species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.
29. Mangar Bani forest has been in news frequently due to one or the other environmental concerns. In which Indian state is the forest located?
Notes: Mangar Bani forest are located in Haryana state of India. The forest is under threat from real estate developers and urban expansion via faulty master plans.
30. Which of the following is / are example(s) of grazing food chain?
Grassland
Pond
Forest
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 [B] Only 1 & 2 [C] Only 1 & 3 [D] 1, 2 & 3
Notes: Cattle and rodents are the main grazers in a grassland, while zooplankton are the main grazers in a pond or lake. Usually up to 50% of the net primary production is grazed on by these animals in their respective ecosystems and the remaining 50% goes to the decomposer organisms as dead organic matter. Therefore, in these ecosystems, the food chain is herbivore based and herbivores are considered important consumers. This is classified as a grazingJood chain. In a forest ecosystem, the dominant primary consumers (herbivores) are the insects, which usually consume less than 10% of the net primary production. The rest (90%) is consumed later as dead plant material by the small detritus feeding animals, such as microarthropods, Oligochaetes and micro-organisms like protozoa, fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria. The animals consume the detritus and process it in their gut by reducing it into small pieces and sometimes digesting it partially of fully, thus making organic materials available for bacterial and fungal attack. These macroorganisms also act as food for many soil animals. This food chain is classified as a detritus or decomposer food chain. The detritus food chain exists in every ecosystem and is very important for the circulation of materials. Even in a grazing food chain, the faeces and urine of grazing herbivores ultimately come to the decomposer pathway. [Fundamentals of Ecology, TMH]
Kindly note these four species of animals that are endemic to western ghats.