Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
41. The International Tsunami information centre is located at which of the following places?
[A] Goa
[B] Jakarta
[C] Canbera
[D] Honolulu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Honolulu]
Notes:
The International Tsunami Information Centre also termed as ITIC was established in November 1965 by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is located at Honolulu.
42. Which of the following refers to reducing the impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas production especially CO2 , without lowering their standard of living?
[A] Carbon Footprint
[B] Carbon diet
[C] Greenhouse debt
[D] Biocapacity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carbon diet]
Notes:
Carbon Diet refers to reducing the impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas production especially CO2 , without lowering their standard of living. A low-carbon diet involves making lifestyle choices related to food consumption which reduce resulting greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe).
43. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Least Developed Countries Fund?
1) It was established in 2001.
2) It is operated by the Global Environment Facility
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:
The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) was established in 2001 and is operated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It was established to support these countries work programme under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
44. What are Shola forests?
[A] Evergreen forests
[B] Moist Deciduous forests
[C] Dry Deciduous forests
[D] Hill forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hill forests]
Notes:
Sholas are the local name for patches of stunted tropical montane forest found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher montane regions of South India.
45. The five key indicators of global climate change of our planet are ____:
[A] Antarctic Sea ice, Oxygen, Rainfall, Drought and Sea level
[B] Sea-level, Rising temperatures, Rainfall, Nitrogen and Arctic Sea ice
[C] Arctic Sea ice, Carbon dioxide, Global Temperature, Sea level and Land ice
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arctic Sea ice, Carbon dioxide, Global Temperature, Sea level and Land ice]
Notes:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed a series of interactive maps and graphs to describe the global climate and how it has changed over time. They focus on 5 key climate indicators:
• carbon dioxide concentration
• global surface temperature
• Arctic sea ice
• land ice
• sea level
46. Study of organisms in relation to their environment is called ____:
[A] Zoology
[B] Ecology
[C] Entomology
[D] Palynology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ecology]
Notes:
Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment. Topics of interest to ecologists include the diversity, distribution, amount (biomass), number (population) of organisms, as well as competition between them within and among ecosystems.
47. Which among the following helps in monitoring air pollution?
[A] Lichen
[B] Bacteria
[C] Algae
[D] Fungi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lichen]
Notes:
Lichens are actually two types of organisms living together, a fungus and an alga. The fungus makes the body that protects the alga and the alga provides the food for the fungus. Lichens can be used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere.
48. ‘Mylo’ is an un-leather fabric and a very sustainable product. It is made from which of the following organic material?
[A] Mushroom
[B] Bamboo
[C] Eucalyptus
[D] Coconut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mushroom]
Notes:
Mylo is a leather-like material made from mycelium, the underground root structure of mushrooms. Mylo is a sustainable alternative to leather because it can be grown without polluting substances. It is also more sustainable than synthetic leathers, which are usually made from petroleum-derived inputs.
Mylo is grown in a controlled indoor environment. The growing process is designed to be low impact and takes less than two weeks. It emits fewer greenhouse gases and uses less water and resources than animal-based leather.
Mylo is 80% bio-based and is completely biodegradable and compostable. However, when extra durability is needed, the mushroom leather is reinforced with polyurethane, which decreases its biodegradability.
49. Which of the following Colour coded weather alert is issued by IMD when there is a chance of more than 20 cm rainfall in 24 hours?
[A] Green
[B] Orange
[C] Red
[D] Yellow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Red]
Notes:
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a color-coded alert system for weather events. A green alert indicates no action is required. A yellow alert signals potential rainfall of 6-11 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates heavy rainfall of 6-20 cm. A red alert warns of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period.
50. Which country is home to the Península Valdés, an area known to accommodate 50% of the world’s southern right whale population?
[A] Argentina
[B] Chile
[C] Brazil
[D] Uruguay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Argentina]
Notes:
The Península Valdés, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, provides a sanctuary for marine mammals, hosting half of the world’s southern right whale population. The conservation area, located in Argentina, also houses breeding colonies of southern elephant seals and sea lions. A unique hunting strategy has evolved among its resident orcas. Furthermore, the 400,000-hectare desert-like headland features towering cliffs, expansive gulfs, and sandy beaches. Discovered by a Spanish expedition in 1779, it shows signs of Neolithic occupation like obsidian tools. The peninsula, divided into five sections, each offering unique attractions like whale watching, is home to myriad bird species, penguins, maras, and guanacos.