Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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Central Pollution Control Board works for cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution. It focuses on improving the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution.

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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.

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Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe methyl mercury poisoning. It is caused by eating large quantities of fish and shellfish polluted by methyl mercury in factory wastewater. The disease is named after Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, where it was first discovered in 1956.

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Lichens are used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. If air is very badly polluted with sulphur dioxide there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant.

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Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. It can remove many types of dissolved and suspended species from water, including bacteria, and is used in both industrial processes and the production of potable water (Desalination of marine water). It is most commonly known for its use in drinking water purification plants particularly in countries of middle east.

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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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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.

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The Gold Panda is the highest conservation award by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the leading global environmental organisation. WWF is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, working in the field of the wilderness preservation, and the reduction of humanity’s footprint on the environment.

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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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The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses 25 protected areas spanning 4,700 km² in Brazil. It features diverse landscapes from karst mountains to coastal wetlands, showcasing exceptional scenic beauty. The site is home to over 450 tree species per hectare, with 70% of tree species, 85% of primates, and 39% of mammals being endemic. It supports 120 mammal species, including the jaguar and black-faced lion tamarin, and 350 bird species. The area contains the largest number of karst caves in Brazil and is a crucial ecological corridor for the Atlantic Forest biome. Despite being one of the most threatened biomes, the site remains a vital hub for biodiversity conservation and research.