Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
The lakes which have low primary productivity as a result of low nutrient content are known as Oligotrophic Lake. These lakes have very low algal production therefore they often have very clear waters, with high drinking-water quality.

Notes:
Calcifuge is a plant that does not tolerate alkaline soil and are also described as ericaceous, as the prototypical calcifuge is the genus Erica (heaths). Under alkaline conditions, iron becomes less soluble.

Notes:
A cryogenic storage facility which is used to archive biological samples for use in research and experiments is known as Biobank. Biobanks are an important resource in medical research which support many types of contemporary research like genomics and personalized medicine.

Notes:
Namami Gange mission is run by the Central
Government in five states namely
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Bihar and West Bengal. It is managed by West Bengal Forest Department for
sustaining the biodiversity of the Ganga river ecosystem along with its
purification.

Notes:
Water is one of the abiotic factors that are nonliving chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. They affect living organisms in terms of growth, maintenance, and reproduction. A biotic factor is any living component that affects the population of another organism, or the environment.

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.

Notes:
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a color-coded alert system for weather events. A green alert indicates no action is required. A yellow alert signals potential rainfall of 6-11 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates heavy rainfall of 6-20 cm. A red alert warns of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period.

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.

Notes:
The Gondwana Rainforests, designated as a World Heritage Site, are located in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales in Australia. They personify extraordinary instances of Earth’s evolutionary phases, with over 50 sheltered areas playing host to more than 200 rare or endangered species. These rainforests are remnants from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, evident through tree lineages such as Red and Yellow Carabeen. Unfortunately, they are threatened by climate change and provide important habitats for scarce species like the Hastings River Mouse and Parma Wallaby. Drawing around 2 million tourists each year, these vast rainforests cover an impressive 366,500 hectares.

Notes:
The Okavango Delta in Botswana was inscribed as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. This inland delta, formed by the Okavango River, spans 6-15,000 square kilometers undergoing seasonal flooding. It is a refuge for over 260,000 mammals and 400 bird species, including endangered species. The delta’s unique ecosystem provides a source of fresh water, food, and job opportunities through tourism while supporting indigenous communities. Ensuring biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods is the focus of the 2008 Okavango Delta Management Plan. With over 150,000 islands, Chief’s Island is the largest, demonstrating the delta’s exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance.