Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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Carbon Footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases that we produce individually and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent. It is made up of the sum of two parts, i.e., the primary footprint and the secondary footprint.

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Zero emission vehicles which are also called as ZEV’s are those vehicles that do not emit any tailpipe pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide from the onboard source of power.

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Photosynthesis in plants converts radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar) using electrons and protons from water. Plants take in water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight and turn them into glucose and oxygen. Water (6H2O) + Carbon Dioxide (6CO2) + Sunlight (Radiant Energy) = Glucose (C6H12O6) + Oxygen (6O2).

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Primary producers are the organisms in an ecosystem that produce biomass from inorganic compounds (autotrophs). In almost all cases, these are photosynthetically active organisms (plants, cyanobacteria and a number of other unicellular organism.

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which radiation from a planet’s atmosphere warms the planet’s surface to a temperature above what it would be without its atmosphere. It caused by the presence of water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other gases in the air.

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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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K’gari, also known as Fraser Island, is recognized globally as the largest sand island. Located in Queensland, Australia, this World Heritage-listed island covers a vast expanse of 120 kilometers. Further adding to its ecological significance, it harbors varied ecosystems ranging from rainforests to perched freshwater lakes. Notably, it serves as a habitat for a pure breed of dingoes and is home to Boomanjin Lake, the world’s largest perched lake. The island carries a historic and cultural resonance as it was once associated with the Butchulla people and used as an Allied training base during World War II.

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Purnululu National Park, situated in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, is recognized globally for the unique, cone-shaped karst formations of the Bungle Bungle Range. This World Heritage Site, covering over 239,723 hectares, houses a rich biodiversity including 150 bird species, 40 native mammals, and 81 reptile species. Notable for its indigenous cultural significance, it is also home to three of Australia’s most venomous snakes and features distinctive landmarks such as Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge, and Piccaninny Gorge.

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Vjetrenica Cave, positioned in Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasts remarkable biodiversity. As the world’s most biodiverse grotto, it houses over 200 animal species, with 90 troglobionts, creatures that live specifically in caves. The gem of nature spans 7,014 meters, augmented by four rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Named for the chilling winds emanating from its entrance, it maintains a constant 11 degrees Celsius temperature. Chronologically, its first mention was in 77 A.D by Pliny the Elder, and it has been a protected sanctuary since 1950. This haven for cave-dwelling animals also features unique species, including bacteria and fungi.

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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.