Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Notes:
Organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their environments are known as Chemotrophs. These molecules can be both organic (chemoorganotrophs) or inorganic (chemolithotrophs).

Notes:
Dead Animal–Maggots–Frog–Snake is an example of detritus food chain. In such a food chain, Primary consumers are ‘detritivores’ including protozoans, bacteria, fungi, etc which feed upon the detritus (dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, plant parts or dead animal bodies) saprophytically. They are in turn eaten by secondary consumers such as insect larvae, nematodes, etc. In nature, detritus food chains are indispensable as the dead organic matter of grazing food chain is acted upon by the detritivores to recycle the inorganic elements into the ecosystem.

Notes:
Phenotype refers to a set of observable characteristics of an individual or group resulting from the interaction of its genotype with its environment. Gene pool refers to the stock of different genes in an interbreeding population.

Notes:
In ecology, abiotic components are non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. Abiotic components include water, light, radiation, temperature, humidity, atmosphere, and soil.

Notes:
The world’s first negative emissions plant under the CarbFix Project to turn atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into stone has begun operations in Hellisheidi, Iceland. It is intended to lock away carbon dioxide by reacting it with basaltic rocks.

Notes:
Lichens are found in both nature and in human-made environments, including rocks, trees, barren earth, metal and concrete. They are sensitive to air pollution because they receive all nutrients from the atmosphere, which makes them valuable as indicator species. The presence of sulphur dioxide force them to perish.

Notes:
Sultanpur National Park is located at Sultanpur, Haryana in Gurgaon District, Haryana. As a bird sanctuary it was the finding of Peter Jackson, famous ornothologist, and Honorary Secretary of the Delhi Birdwatching Society, who wrote to Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, founder of the Society, in 1970 about the need to declare the Sultanpur jheel near Delhi, a bird sanctuary, and she asked him to take her there.

Notes:
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. It was created in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary to preserve the natural habitat of the endangered Eld’s deer. In 1977, it was gazetted as national park.

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:
The Heard and McDonald Islands are located in the sub-Antarctic region and serve as external territories of Australia. These volcanic islands, discovered in the 1850s by American mariners John Heard and William McDonald, were proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. These islands, recognized for their unique wildlife and geology (including active volcanoes), are considered one of the world’s most remote places. Initially claimed by the UK in 1910, they were transferred to Australia in 1947, hence, the land boasting the highest mountain under Australian sovereignty.