Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
41. Global hectare is a measurement of which of the following?
[A] Carbon capacity
[B] Biocapacity
[C] Carbon footprint
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Biocapacity]
Notes:
Global hectare used as a measurement of biocapacity of the entire earth. One global hectare is a measurement of the average biocapacity of all hectare measurements of any biologically productive areas on the planet earth.
42. The Adaptation Fund is supervised and managed by which of the following?
[A] U.N. security council
[B] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
[C] Adaptation Fund Board
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Adaptation Fund Board]
Notes:
The Adaptation Fund was set up to finance the projects and programs aimed at helping developing countries to adapt to the harmful effects of climate change. The Adaptation Fund is supervised and managed by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB).
43. What are Shola forests?
[A] Evergreen forests
[B] Moist Deciduous forests
[C] Dry Deciduous forests
[D] Hill forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hill forests]
Notes:
Sholas are the local name for patches of stunted tropical montane forest found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher montane regions of South India.
44. Why do Mangrove trees have breathing roots?
[A] The roots prevent soil erosion
[B] To store oxygen up to 4 days
[C] The roots are the only place where photosynthesis is done
[D] To obtain oxygen from the air
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [To obtain oxygen from the air]
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.
45. Which of these is not a species of Sub-alpine Forests?
[A] Birch
[B] Rhododendrons
[C] Oak
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ]
Notes:
The species commonly found in Sub-alpine Forests are junipers, birch, rhododendrons,
berberis, maling bamboo, laurel, etc. Oak and magnolia occur around the region of
Kalimpong. In the upper Singalila range, dwarf rhododendrons, meadows and
small flowering bushes occur.
46. Which of the following agricultural practices have been primarily responsible for pollution of our water resources?
A. Use of live-stock manure
B. Use of chemical fertilisers
C. Excessive use of chemical pesticides
D. Deforestation
[A] B and C
[B] A, C and D
[C] A and B
[D] A, B and D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [B and C]
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.
47. Why Taj Mahal is suffering from “Marble Cancer”?
[A] Because of sulphur dioxide
[B] Because of nitrogen dioxide
[C] Because of chloroflurocarbon
[D] Because of carbon dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Because of sulphur dioxide]
Notes:
The Taj Mahal, is slowly turning brownish-yellow because of air pollution, also called “Marble cancer”. The Industries located in and around Agra especially the Mathura oil refinery have been responsible for producing pollutants. Emissions of sulphur dioxide around the Taj Mahal are twice the permissible levels. Now, researchers found 3% of the deposits to be black carbon, around 30% organic carbon (or brown carbon) and most of the rest dust. Black carbon is emitted by vehicles and other machines that burn fossil fuels.
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. The term ‘Ecological sanitation’ is associated with:
[A] Plastic Waste
[B] Human excreta
[C] Air Pollution
[D] Vultures
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Human excreta]
Notes:
Ecological sanitation is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets. This is a practical, hygienic, efficient and cost-effective solution to human waste disposal. With this composting method, human excreta can be recycled into a resource (as natural fertiliser), which reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
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.