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 is an organism that obtains hydrogen or electrons from organic substrates?
[A] Lithophiles
[B] Organotroph
[C] Mixotroph
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Organotroph]
Notes:
Organisms that obtains hydrogen or electrons from organic substrates are known as Organotrophs. Some organotrophs such as animals and many bacteria can also be heterotrophs.
42. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Earth Hour?
1. It is a global event which is organized by WWF.
2. On this day households and businesses turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for an hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Earth Hour is a global event which is organized by WWF. On this day households and businesses turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for an hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.
43. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Special Climate Change Fund?
1) It was established in 2001.
2) The Global Environment Facility (GEF) acts as an operating entity of the financial mechanism.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Special Climate Change Fund was established in 2001. Adaptation to climate change is the top priority of the Special Climate Change Fund. The financial mechanism is operated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
44. Littoral and Swamp Forests can be seen in–
[A] Howrah
[B] Kolkata
[C] South 24 Pargana
[D] Hooghly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South 24 Pargana ]
Notes:
Littoral and Swamp Forests also known as
The Mangrove Forests is found in Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (Sundarbans) i.e. in the districts of South 24
Parganas and Southern region of North 24 Parganas.
45. Apart from Sundari trees, which other plants can also be seen in Mangrove forest?
[A] Asparagus
[B] Bamboo
[C] Dhundal
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dhundal]
Notes:
Littoral and Swamp Forests or the Mangrove Forests mostly contain sundari mangrove trees. The other main
species found in these forests are
casuarina trees, goran, gnewa, baen,
dhundal, etc.
46. Addition excessive amounts of heat to a lake is referred to as _____:
[A] Thermal pollution
[B] Heat Bloom
[C] Green House effect
[D] Refrigeration effect
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Thermal pollution]
Notes:
Thermal pollution is defined as the addition of excess of undesirable heat to water thereby making it harmful to man, animal or aquatic life. A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. The change in ambient temperature of water decreases oxygen supply and affects ecosystem composition.
47. Spraying of DDT on crops causes pollution of _____:
[A] Air & Water
[B] Air & Soil
[C] Crops & Air
[D] Soil & Water
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Soil & Water]
Notes:
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.
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. Where is the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary situated?
[A] Haridwar
[B] Bhagalpur
[C] Allahabad
[D] Visakhapatnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhagalpur]
Notes:
The Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) resides in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, covering about 50 km along the Ganges. It holds the distinction of being India’s only sanctuary for its national aquatic animal, the Gangetic dolphin. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Control (MoEFCC) declared the Gangetic dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal of India and launched the Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Programme in 1997 – a testament to its dedication to preserving this unique species.
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.
