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 statements is/are correct regarding Plasticulture?
1) It is the practice of using plastic materials in Road construction.
2) Polyethylene (PE) is mostly used by the majority of people.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
Plasticulture refers to the practice of using plastic material in agricultural applications. They are also referred to as ag Plastics. Polyethylene (PE) is mostly used by the majority of people due to its easy availability.
42. What amount of rainfall does an area typically receive to support grasslands and shrubs kind of vegetation?
[A] Less than 25 cm
[B] Between 25 cm and 75 cm
[C] Between 75 cm to 150 cm
[D] More than 150 cm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Between 25 cm and 75 cm]
Notes:
Grasslands and shrubs ecosystems typically flourish in areas that receive 25 cm to 75 cm of rainfall per year. This range of rainfall is not sufficient for supporting dense forests but is adequate for grasses and shrubs. The richness and distribution of species are greatly affected by rainfall patterns and seasonality. Knowing the amount of rainfall helps in predicting vegetation type in a particular region, which is crucial for management and conservations strategies.
43. The presence of pollutants in the environment is usually expressed in ppm, where ppm stands for ____:
[A] Particles per mole
[B] Purity per microgram
[C] Pollutant prevent measures
[D] Parts per million
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Parts per million]
Notes:
PPM is an abbreviation of Parts Per Million. It is commonly used as a measure of small levels of pollutants in air, water, body fluids, etc. Parts per million is the mass ratio between the pollutant component and the solution.
44. Cellulose fibers are organic pollutant mainly produced by which Industry/ Industries?
I. Mining Industry
II. Soap and detergent Industry
III. Paper and Pulp Industry
[A] Only I
[B] Only II
[C] Only III
[D] Both II and III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only III]
Notes:
Cellulose for industrial use is mainly obtained from wood pulp and cotton. Cellulose is the major constituent of paper, paperboard, and card stock. It is also the main ingredient of textiles made from cotton, linen, and other plant fibres. It can be turned into rayon, an important fiber that has been used for textiles since the beginning of the 20th century.
45. Which of the following represents the most complex trophic level?
[A] Species
[B] Ecosystem
[C] Population
[D] Community
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ecosystem]
Notes:
In ecology, the trophic level is the position that an organism occupies in a food chain – what it eats, and what eats it. Ecosystem represents the most complex trophic level. Each species in an ecosystem is affected by the other species in that ecosystem. There are very few single prey-single predator relationships. Most prey are consumed by more than one predator, and most predators have more than one prey. It is also marked by multi trophic interactions that involve more than two trophic levels in a food web.
46. Microbial degradation of nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen is known as _____:
[A] Ammonification
[B] Denitrification
[C] Nitrification
[D] Putrefaction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Denitrification]
Notes:
Denitrification is the biological conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas, nitric oxide or nitrous oxide. It involves nitrate reduction by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, usually in anaerobic conditions that ultimately produces molecular nitrogen (N2). These bacteria use nitrate as an electron acceptor instead of oxygen during respiration.
47. Consider the following gases:
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen
- Nitrous oxide
- Water vapour
Which of the above gases are considered as greenhouse gases?
[A] 1, 3 & 4
[B] 1 & 4
[C] 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 3 & 4 ]
Notes:A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The essential greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere include:
- Water vapor
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Ozone
Here, Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas.
48. In which of the following states of India is Manas National Park situated?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Manas National Park is located in the Himalayan foothills of Assam. It is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, and Elephant Reserve. It is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. Manas is famous for its population of the wild water buffalo.
49. Which of the following is regarded as the world’s largest sand island?
[A] K’gari (Fraser Island)
[B] Great Barrier Island
[C] North Stradbroke Island
[D] Moreton Island
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [K’gari (Fraser Island)]
Notes:
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.
50. Which national park is famous for its Bungle Bungle Range?
[A] Purnululu National Park
[B] Kakadu National Park
[C] Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
[D] Great Sandy National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Purnululu National Park]
Notes:
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.