Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body that makes policies for disaster management in India. It was founded in 2005 and is headed by the Prime Minister of India.

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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.

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Gene banks are established to protect genetic material, be it plant or animal. In plants, genetic material can be saved by freezing cuts from the plant, or stocking the seeds. In animals, genetic material can be saved by freezing of sperm and eggs in zoological freezers until further need.

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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.

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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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DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl trichloro ethane) is a persistent organic pollutant that is readily adsorbed into soils and sediments, which can act both as sinks and as long-term sources of exposure affecting organisms. It pollutes the ground water system which contaminates the entire food chain by severely affecting humans dependent on these.

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Green undecomposed material used as manure is called green manure. It is obtained in two ways: (a) growing green manure crops usually belonging to leguminous family and incorporating into the soil after sufficient growth or (b) by collecting green leaf from plants grown in wastelands, field bunds and forest. The most important green manure crops are sunnhemp, dhaincha, etc.

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The coast of Tamil Nadu (Coromandal coast) receives most of its annual rainfall from the retreating monsoon during October-December. This rainy extension of the generally dry retreating monsoon is called the northeast, or winter, monsoon. It is in contrast to the south west monsoon that brings rainfall over the Northern plains and eastern India during July-September.

Notes:
K’gari, also known as Fraser Island, is recognized globally as the largest sand island. Located in Queensland, Australia, this World Heritage-listed island covers a vast expanse of 120 kilometers. Further adding to its ecological significance, it harbors varied ecosystems ranging from rainforests to perched freshwater lakes. Notably, it serves as a habitat for a pure breed of dingoes and is home to Boomanjin Lake, the world’s largest perched lake. The island carries a historic and cultural resonance as it was once associated with the Butchulla people and used as an Allied training base during World War II.

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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.