Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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Biopiracy refers to the theft of genetic materials especially plants and other biological materials by the process of patent. It is a situation where indigenous knowledge of nature, originating with indigenous people, is exploited for commercial gain without permission and compensation.

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Cellulose for industrial use is mainly obtained from wood pulp and cotton. Cellulose is the major constituent of paper, paperboard, and card stock. It is also the main ingredient of textiles made from cotton, linen, and other plant fibres. It can be turned into rayon, an important fiber that has been used for textiles since the beginning of the 20th century.

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Use of chemical fertilisers and excessive use of chemical pesticides are primarily responsible for pollution of our water and land resources. Manure and pesticides contains nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. These pollutants contaminate water resources and reduce recreational potential of lakes and rivers, destroy wildlife habitat, and eliminate drinking water supplies for people and livestock.

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Lichens are used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. If air is very badly polluted with sulphur dioxide there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant.

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Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain. When CO is inhaled, it combines with the oxygen carrying haemoglobin of the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Once combined with the haemoglobin, that haemoglobin is no longer available for transporting oxygen.

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Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. This park is known for high density of Tigers. The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which was said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka (Ceylon).

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Sikkim is the largest producer of orchids in India. The state is home to an amazing 450 species of exotic orchids alone. Annually, around 20 million stalks of orchids are produced in Sikkim. Sikkim, owing to its climatic conditions, has developed as a natural hub of orchids.

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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.

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The Great Dividing Range, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Wet Tropics of Queensland, exhibits an exceptional display of natural beauty, diverse species, and is soaked in evolutionary history. This region preserves the ancient Gondwanan forest of 50-100 million years ago, and is significant in deciphering the evolution of Australian flora and fauna. The range hosts over 400 threatened or rare species and indigenous communities have resided here for over 5,000 years. The highest Australian waterfall, Wallaman Falls, the 13 primary river systems, and multiple national parks are also part of this geography.

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Manisha Bhanwala became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championship. The event was held in Astana, Kazakhstan. She won the gold medal in the women’s 59 kg category, defeating USA’s Abigail Elizabeth Nette by 8–6 in the final. Manisha made a remarkable comeback after trailing 0–6 to secure the historic victory. With this achievement, she became the first Indian woman to win gold in women’s wrestling at this global championship. India finished the competition with four medals: one gold, two silver and one bronze. Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi won silver medals, while Tanu Sharma secured bronze in the 72 kg category.