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 the main reason for the melting of ice sheets?
[A] Increase in the oxygen content
[B] Global warming
[C] Decrease in the Carbon dioxide content
[D] Noise pollution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Global warming]
Notes:
Global warming is defined as the average increase of Earth’s temperature due to natural as well as human induced reasons. Global warming increases the average temperature of the Earth resulting in the melting of ice caps.
42. Which of the following is called the place of origin an earthquake?
[A] Focus
[B] Hypercenter
[C] Epicenter
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Focus]
Notes:
The Focus of an earthquake, which is also called as a Hypocenter is the point of the origin of an earthquake whereas the epicenter is the point just exactly above the focus.
43. Which of the following are micro-organisms that can live within the pore interstices of sedimentary and even igneous rocks to depths of several kilometers?
[A] Lithotroph
[B] Hemotrophs
[C] Lithophiles
[D] Phototrophs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lithophiles]
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.
44. Trans-boundary pollution (or) Acid rain is caused by ____:
[A] Hydrocarbon
[B] Carbon monoxide
[C] Nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide
[D] Carbon dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide]
Notes:
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic i.e. it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It is caused by emissions of oxides of sulphur (SO2 or SO3) and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.
45. The sum of genes in a population is called ____:
[A] Phenotype
[B] Karyotype
[C] Genotype
[D] Gene pool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gene pool]
Notes:
Phenotype refers to a set of observable characteristics of an individual or group resulting from the interaction of its genotype with its environment. Gene pool refers to the stock of different genes in an interbreeding population.
46. Human Environment Conference 1972 was held at ____:
[A] Paris
[B] Geneva
[C] Australia
[D] Stockholm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Stockholm]
Notes:
The conference was held in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in 1972. The conference is widely recognized as the beginning of modern political and public awareness of global environmental problems.
47. Environmental pollution can be controlled by _____:
[A] Sewage treatment
[B] Manufacturing electric vehicles
[C] Checking atomic blasts
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ]
Notes:
Checking atomic blasts will reduce radioactive pollution. Sewage pollution can be prevented by treating sewage before passing into water course, in sewage treatment plant or effluent treatment plant (ETP). Electrically operated vehicles will control automobile exhaust and improve the air quality in cities. Environmental pollution can be controlled by treating factory wastes before disposing of them. So, if we treat wastewater before disposing of in a river, it will surely decrease the amount of dumped pollutants. For example- Steel industries have a high concentration of cyanide in it, and it led to harmful effect. So, treatment is really necessary.
48. Which of the following primarily causes Mercury Pollution?
[A] Automobile Battery
[B] Diesel Engine
[C] Polymer
[D] CFL Lamp
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [CFL Lamp]
Notes:
Old compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs lead to mercury pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, common CFL bulbs contain 3-5 milligrams (mg) of mercury. CFLs, like all fluorescent lamps, contain mercury as a vapor inside the glass. Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that exists in several forms. Human contact with mercury, in any form, can produce toxic effects if the dose is high enough.
49. Bandhavgarh National Park is in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
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).
50. What fraction of world’s fish species are provided shelter by Great Barrier Reef?
[A] 10%
[B] 25%
[C] 50%
[D] 75%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [10%]
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.