Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal Act is an Act of the Parliament of India passed in 2010. It enables for the creation of a special tribunal for the disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues. NGT is mandated to dispose the cases within six months of their  appeal.

Notes:
With a share of almost 30 percent of the world’s total CO2 emissions, China tops the ranking of the largest green house gas emitter and the USA is the second largest Greenhouse Gas emitter.

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The concept of sustainable development was described by the Bruntland Commission Report of 1987. It described sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

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Micro-organisms that can live within the pore interstices of sedimentary and even igneous rocks to depths of several kilometers are referred to as Lithophiles. Some of these mico-organisms are known to live on surface rocks, and make use of photosynthesis for energy.

Notes:
The species commonly found in Sub-alpine Forests are junipers, birch, rhododendrons,
berberis, maling bamboo, laurel, etc. Oak and magnolia occur around the region of
Kalimpong. In the upper Singalila range, dwarf rhododendrons, meadows and
small flowering bushes occur.

Notes:
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic i.e. it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It is caused by emissions of oxides of sulphur (SO2 or SO3) and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

Notes:
A Red Data Book contains lists of species whose continued existence is threatened. Species are classified into different categories of perceived risk. It documents rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi, as well as other living organisms in an area, region or country.

Notes:
Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina hosts the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1937, spans over 726,927 hectares and is home to 47 active glaciers, including the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier. Divided by Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, the park holds the scenic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in its northern segment. The park’s varied ecosystem sustains unique species and attracts over 688,000 visitors every year, making it a favorite among nature lovers and providing a crucial research site for scientists studying climate change.

Notes:
Glover’s Reef is a part of The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. This is the world’s second largest reef system, extending 300 km along the coast of Belize. It’s a host to seven protected areas inclusive of three atolls: Turneffe, Lighthouse, and Glover’s Reef. The complex supports 1,400 known species, among them 17 endangered ones such as the American crocodile, manatee, and different sea turtles. The system, notable for its pristine condition, was deemed by Charles Darwin as the “most remarkable reef in the West Indies”.

Notes:
The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses 25 protected areas spanning 4,700 km² in Brazil. It features diverse landscapes from karst mountains to coastal wetlands, showcasing exceptional scenic beauty. The site is home to over 450 tree species per hectare, with 70% of tree species, 85% of primates, and 39% of mammals being endemic. It supports 120 mammal species, including the jaguar and black-faced lion tamarin, and 350 bird species. The area contains the largest number of karst caves in Brazil and is a crucial ecological corridor for the Atlantic Forest biome. Despite being one of the most threatened biomes, the site remains a vital hub for biodiversity conservation and research.