Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
Some of the Environmentally Sensitive Places are as follows:
1. Religious and historic places
2. Archaeological monuments/sites
3. Biosphere reserves
4. Airport
5. Natural lakes, swamps Seismic zones tribal Settlements
6. Hill resorts/mountains/ hills

Notes:
The Ozone-Depleting Substances are Chlorofluorocarbons, HCFCs and Halons which are responsible for the depletion of ozone layer. These substances when transferred to Stratosphere cause the depletion of ozone layer.

Notes:
The Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
According to the new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) namely “IUCN World Heritage Outlook 3”, India’s Western Ghats are threatened by population pressure, urbanization and climate change. The site is regarded as of significant concern.

Notes:
Montane Wet Temperate Forests is found in upper
reaches of North Bengal hills with an
altitude between 1650 m-3000 m. The main sites of these forests are Selimbong, Kankibong, Little Rangit,
Lopchu, Mahaldiram, Paglajhora, etc
in the districts of Darjeeling and
Kalimpong. The species commonly found in these forests are oak, maple,
pine, fir, deodar and spruce.

Notes:
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic i.e. it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It is caused by emissions of oxides of sulphur (SO2 or SO3) and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

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.

Notes:
Basel Convention is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs). It ultimately aims at biodiversity conservation.

Notes:
Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain. When CO is inhaled, it combines with the oxygen carrying haemoglobin of the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Once combined with the haemoglobin, that haemoglobin is no longer available for transporting oxygen.

Notes:
The Península Valdés, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, provides a sanctuary for marine mammals, hosting half of the world’s southern right whale population. The conservation area, located in Argentina, also houses breeding colonies of southern elephant seals and sea lions. A unique hunting strategy has evolved among its resident orcas. Furthermore, the 400,000-hectare desert-like headland features towering cliffs, expansive gulfs, and sandy beaches. Discovered by a Spanish expedition in 1779, it shows signs of Neolithic occupation like obsidian tools. The peninsula, divided into five sections, each offering unique attractions like whale watching, is home to myriad bird species, penguins, maras, and guanacos.

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.