Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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REDD+ includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. It was first negotiated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2005.

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The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is a premier national organization located in New Delhi that works for human resource development in the areas of disaster mitigation and management.

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The Screening Criteria under Environment Impact Assessment are based upon the following:
1. Scales of investment
2. Type of development
3. Location of development

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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, non-flammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants. Because CFCs contribute to?ozone?depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

Notes:
Lichens are used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. If air is very badly polluted with sulphur dioxide there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant.

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Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. This complex mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Ozone is created in the atmosphere when the sun’s rays split oxygen molecules into single atoms. These atoms combine with nearby oxygen to form a three-oxygen molecule, called ozone.

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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.

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 1984, the Iguazu National Park stretches across a vast area of 677 km² in Argentina. The park’s name draws from the Guarani legacy and it was first established in 1934 to protect its stunning natural beauty. It boasts the spectacular Iguazu Falls, consisting of 275 individual waterfalls including the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat, and is known for its rich biodiversity with over 2,000 plant and 400 bird species. A hub for tourists and nature lovers, the park is home to the elusive jaguars and caimans, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.

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The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses 25 protected areas spanning 4,700 km² in Brazil. It features diverse landscapes from karst mountains to coastal wetlands, showcasing exceptional scenic beauty. The site is home to over 450 tree species per hectare, with 70% of tree species, 85% of primates, and 39% of mammals being endemic. It supports 120 mammal species, including the jaguar and black-faced lion tamarin, and 350 bird species. The area contains the largest number of karst caves in Brazil and is a crucial ecological corridor for the Atlantic Forest biome. Despite being one of the most threatened biomes, the site remains a vital hub for biodiversity conservation and research.

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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.