Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
Combustion of solid material leads to the production of Ash. Fly ash is a very fine powder which tends to travel far in the air. The ash which does not rise in the air is termed as bottom ash.

Notes:
The Atomic Energy Act of 1982 was introduced to deal with radioactive wastes. “Atomic Energy” refers to energy released from atomic nuclei as a result of any process, including the fission and fusion processes.

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.

Notes:
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:
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).

Notes:
The trees of mangrove forest having
breathing roots, which are usually very large to stand in deep mud. The necessity of Mangrove having breathing roots is to obtain oxygen from the atmosphere, while the soil in which mangroves grow are poor in oxygen.

Notes:
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.

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.

Notes:
The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning 2,300 kilometers and covering 344,400 square kilometers. It is home to 10% of the world’s fish species, 400 types of coral, and six of the seven species of marine turtles. The reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, with the widest sections reaching up to 65 kilometers. It is visible from space and supports a diverse array of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sharks. The reef has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World since 1997. Despite its natural beauty, the reef faces threats from climate change, coral bleaching, and pollution, with UNESCO recommending it for the In Danger list due to these impacts.

Notes:
The Pantanal Conservation Area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accounts for 1.3% of the vast Pantanal wetland in Brazil and spans across 187,818 hectares. It provides shelter for more than 650 bird species, 325 fish species, and 80 mammal species, including giant armadillo and jaguar. The area’s unique ecosystem extends from floodplains to the Amolar Mountains, supporting diverse habitats and maintaining regional fish stocks. Moreover, it is an all-important breeding ground for wetland birds and refuge for globally threatened species like the hyacinth macaw. Additionally, it is a Ramsar Wetland and a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.