Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Earth Hour is a global event which is organized by WWF. On this day households and businesses turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for an hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

Notes:
A Red Data Book contains lists of species whose continued existence is threatened. Species are classified into different categories of perceived risk. It documents rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi, as well as other living organisms in an area, region or country.

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.

Notes:

• The Gaia hypothesis proposes that living organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic and self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet.

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:
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.

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.

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.

Notes:
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.