Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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Green Buildings minimize the demand of non-renewable resources and maximizes their utilization efficiency. They maximize reuse and recycling of available resources in the environment. It benefits environment through the utilization of renewable resources.

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The concept of sustainable development was described by the Bruntland Commission Report of 1987. It described sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

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The Disaster Management Act was enacted by the Government of India on 23 December 2005. It envisaged the creation of NDMA and SDMA which will be headed by the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers respectively.

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Absence of fish along a river indicates zone of degradation. This zone is found for a certain length just below the point where sewage is discharged into the river-stream. This zone is characterised by water becoming dark and turbine with formation of sludge deposits at the bottom. D.O is reduced to about 40% of the saturated value.

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Ranthambore National park is spread over an area of 392 sq km. along with its nearby sanctuaries like, the Mansingh Sanctuary and Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The park is majorly famous for its tigers, and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat.

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India’s first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is now known as Jim Corbett National Park. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett, a British- Indian hunter and tracker-turned-conservationist, who played a key role in its establishment.

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Jim Corbett believed in the conservation of the ecosystem and wildlife, especially tigers and that is why Jim Corbett National Park was chosen as the venue for the inauguration of ‘Save the tigers’ project in India. Project tiger was launched in 1973. Basic intention of Project Tiger is to maintain the ecological balance of nature and conserve extant ecosystems. The project seeks to establish a natural link between the wildlife & flora of national parks and sanctuaries and the humans living on their peripheries.

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In any ecosystem, there is conversion of inorganic into organic material with the help of the radiant energy of the sun by the autotrophs; consumption of the autotrophs by heterotrophs; decomposition and mineralisation of the dead matter to release them back for reuse by the autotrophs, these events are repeated over and over again. There is unidirectional movement of energy towards the higher trophic levels and its dissipation and loss as heat to the environment.

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The Ningaloo Coast is a World Heritage Site located in Western Australia renowned for its diverse marine ecosystems and exceptional biodiversity. This 705,015 hectares site features Australia’s largest fringing coral reef, supporting over 500 fish, 250 coral, and 600 mollusc species. There have been some recent unusual sightings, including the reappearance of the short-nosed sea snake in 2015. The crystal-clear water, due to the area’s arid climate, is perfect for snorkelling and underwater diving. The coast also includes nesting sites for three species of sea turtles. This significant site has been managed through a marine park since 1987.

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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.