Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
41. Which of the following phases are involved in Environment Impact Assessment process in India?
1. Screening
2. Scoping
3. Baseline data collection
4. Impact prediction
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The phases involved in Environment Impact Assessment process in India are as follows: Screening, Scoping, Baseline data collection, Impact prediction, Assessment of alternatives, delineation of mitigation measures and environmental impact statement, Public hearing, Environment Management Plan, Decision making and Monitoring the clearance conditions.
42. What is Bengal’s rank in India in terms of air pollution?
[A] 4
[B] 3
[C] 2
[D] 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2]
Notes:
West Bengal, in 2019, accounted for the second-highest number of deaths linked to air pollution — 20.8 per cent of overall deaths — after Rajasthan in the country. Bardhaman (undivided) topped the pollution chart with 171.95 micrograms per cubic meter PM 10 concentration, nearly three times above limit.
43. Which of the following gas is most harmful for ozone layer?
[A] Carbon dioxide
[B] Chlorofluro-carbon
[C] Nitrogen oxide
[D] Sulphur dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chlorofluro-carbon]
Notes:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, non-flammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants. Because CFCs contribute to?ozone?depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
44. What was the main aim of Ramsar Convention?
[A] Bio-diversity Conservation
[B] Global Warming
[C] Conservation of wetlands
[D] Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Conservation of wetlands]
Notes:
The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971.
45. Montreal Protocol is related to which of the following?
[A] Ozone layer
[B] E-waste
[C] Water pollution
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ozone layer]
Notes:
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was designed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances in order to reduce their abundance in the atmosphere, and thereby protect the earth’s fragile ozone Layer. The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989. In 1995, the United Nations named September 16 the International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, also known as World Ozone Day.
46. Which among the following represents plateau phase in population?
[A] Birth rate and Death rate are equal
[B] Birth rate and death rate are not equal
[C] Birth rate is higher than death rate
[D] Death rate is more than birth rate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Birth rate and Death rate are equal]
Notes:
During the plateau phase, population size is constant so no more growth occurs. This is the result of natality rate being equal to mortality rate and is caused by resources becoming scarce as well as an increase in predators, diseases and parasites.
47. Microbial degradation of nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen is known as _____:
[A] Ammonification
[B] Denitrification
[C] Nitrification
[D] Putrefaction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Denitrification]
Notes:
Denitrification is the biological conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas, nitric oxide or nitrous oxide. It involves nitrate reduction by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, usually in anaerobic conditions that ultimately produces molecular nitrogen (N2). These bacteria use nitrate as an electron acceptor instead of oxygen during respiration.
48. The potential for air pollution typically increases when the ventilation coefficient is which of the following?
[A] Greater than 11,000 m2/s
[B] Greater than 7,600 m2/s
[C] Less than 3,600 m2/s
[D] Less than 6,000 m2/s
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Less than 6,000 m2/s]
Notes:
The ventilation coefficient (m2/s) is a product of maximum mixing depth and average wind speed. It is used as an indicator of the atmosphere’s dispersive capability. High potential for air pollution is generally associated with ventilation coefficient values of less than 6000 m2/s, as established by researchers Portelli and Lewis in 1987.
49. Consider the following gases:
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen
- Nitrous oxide
- Water vapour
Which of the above gases are considered as greenhouse gases?
[A] 1, 3 & 4
[B] 1 & 4
[C] 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 3 & 4 ]
Notes:A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The essential greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere include:
- Water vapor
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Ozone
Here, Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas.
50. Which national park hosts the largest ice cap aside from those in Antarctica and Greenland?
[A] Los Glaciares National Park
[B] Yosemite National Park
[C] Banff National Park
[D] Zion National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Los Glaciares National Park]
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.