Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
31. In recent times, the term “Clean coal” has been making news frequently. Which among the following statements is the closest explanation to clean coal ?
[A] Equivalent use of alternative fuels in place of coal
[B] Use of coal that has not been procured from underground mines
[C] Underground coal gasification and liquefaction to reduce CO2 emissions
[D] Coal combustion within controlled environment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Underground coal gasification and liquefaction to reduce CO2 emissions]
Notes:
The basic idea is to reduce CO2 emission by either converting coal to something which reduces less CO2 or using Carbon Capture and Storage. Thus, underground coal gasification and liquefaction which converts coal into liquid and gaseous fuel alternatives is a recognized ‘clean coal’ technology-handy in extraction of energy from coal seams which cannot be mined through conventional methods.
32. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC):
- is a principle within the framework of United Nation Environment Programme
- has been adopted as a part of Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 2 Only]
Notes:
First statement is incorrect because Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC) is a principle within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Second statement is correct.
33. Which among the following is / are criteria of selection of Biosphere reserves in India?
- It should be large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem
- It should be home to indigenous variety of flora and fauna
- It’s core area should be a self sustaining biogeographically unit
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The primary criteria for selection of sites for Biosphere Reserves as laid down in the Guidelines issued by the Government are ,a site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation and should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of sustainable methods of research and management and the core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem. The secondary criteria are areas having rare and endangered species, areas having diversity of soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota and areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment.
34. Consider the following statements about Carbon Monoxide (CO):
- It is an indoor pollutant
- It is more soluble in blood than in water
- It is less dense than air
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
All given statements are correct
35. Which of the following pollutants is the major reason behind adverse affect on the white marbles of Taj Mahal?
[A] Black carbon
[B] Nitrogen oxides
[C] Brown carbon
[D] Sulphur dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Brown carbon]
Notes:
Correct answer is Brown Carbon, which contributes 30 % in damage to Taj Mahal. As per recent analysis of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Sulphur dioxide is not the major contributor to damage now, as it was during 1990s. Vehicle emissions are the biggest contributors for brown and black carbon.
36. The Dugong (Sea Cow) is found in India in __:
1.Gulf of Katch
2.Gulf of Mannar
3.Andaman & Nicobar Islands
4.Sundarban Region
Choose 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: C [ Only 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
There are no records of Dugongs to be found on the east coast of India or the Sundarban region.
37. Which among the following is the largest terrestrial pool of carbon?
[A] Ponds and Lakes
[B] Forests
[C] Soil
[D] Rocks and Mountains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Soil]
Notes:
Soil carbon refers to the carbon held within the soil, mainly as organic content. Soil carbon is the largest terrestrial pool of carbon (2,200 Giga tonnes). Soil carbon plays a key role in the carbon cycle and thus is important in global climate models. It has been shown that l kg of carbon released from the soil constitutes 3.64kg of Co2 in the atmosphere. The exchange of carbon between soils and the atmosphere is a significant part of the world carbon cycle, which is extensive both spatially and temporally. Carbon, as it relates to the organic matter of soils, is a major component of soil and catchment health. With reference to Carbon sequestration, the soil is one of the largest reservoirs, where carbon could be restored.
38. Consider the following:
1. Kaziranga National Park
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve
3. Sundarbans National Park
Which among the above are World Heritage Sites?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Natural properties of India in World Heritage List are: Kaziranga National Park (1985), Keoladeo National Park (1985), Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985), Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988) and Sundarbans National Park (1987).
39. Dumping of Iron to the upper ocean can significantly induce the Carbon sequestration in Oceans. This is because introduction of iron to the upper ocean__:
[A] will increase CO2 solubility in Ocean water
[B] will stimulate phytoplankton bloom
[C] will suppress the growth of phytoplankton
[D] will stimulate the growth of fishes and zooplankton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ will stimulate phytoplankton bloom]
Notes:
This question is based upon the concept of Iron fertilization, whereby introduction of iron to the upper ocean to stimulate a phytoplankton bloom is adopted. Like all plants, phytoplankton takes up C02 from air and converts it to carbon compounds like carbohydrates. The plant quickly dies and starts sinking, taking the carbon with it. What happens thereafter is the key to the technique’s efficacy: If it sinks well below the ocean surface, the carbon would effectively have been put away for a long period (Carbon sequestration). This has led to several experiments in recent times.
40. If a species is endemic, it implies that the species is __:
1.Widely distributed but with large gaps between regions
2.Confined to a particular area
3.Confined to ground level and rarely reaches heights above a metre
Which among the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Only 2]
Notes:
Endemic species are found in just only one region in the world. For an example, the Lion-Tailed Macaque, is found only in the Western Ghats of Southern India. The Asiatic Lion is found only in the Gir Forest.
[contact-form-7 id="141158" title="Contact form 1"]
