Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

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With a share of almost 30 percent of the world’s total CO2 emissions, China tops the ranking of the largest green house gas emitter and the USA is the second largest Greenhouse Gas emitter.

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Xerosere is a type of plant succession which is limited by water availability. Xerosere originates on rock surfaces which are in an unweathered state. There are different stages in a xerarch succession.

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Ecotype is the basic unit of Biosystematics. It is adapted to a particular environment but capable of producing fully fertile hybrids with other ecotypes. The term Ecotype proposed by Turesson refers to “an ecological unit to cover the product arising as a result of genotypical response of an ecospecies to a particular habitat.”

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Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment. Topics of interest to ecologists include the diversity, distribution, amount (biomass), number (population) of organisms, as well as competition between them within and among ecosystems.

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Old compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs lead to mercury pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, common CFL bulbs contain 3-5 milligrams (mg) of mercury. CFLs, like all fluorescent lamps, contain mercury as a vapor inside the glass. Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that exists in several forms. Human contact with mercury, in any form, can produce toxic effects if the dose is high enough.

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The Taj Mahal, is slowly turning brownish-yellow because of air pollution, also called “Marble cancer”. The Industries located in and around Agra especially the Mathura oil refinery have been responsible for producing pollutants. Emissions of sulphur dioxide around the Taj Mahal are twice the permissible levels. Now, researchers found 3% of the deposits to be black carbon, around 30% organic carbon (or brown carbon) and most of the rest dust. Black carbon is emitted by vehicles and other machines that burn fossil fuels.

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The predominant wild animal species that inhabits the Park is the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful little chinkara or Indian gazelle, and the chital. Other species that have their habitat in the park are nilgai, sambar, chausingha or four-horned antelope, blackbuck, sloth bear, leopard and the common langur.

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Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is a marine wildlife sanctuary located in Odisha that is the world’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles. It extends from Dhamra River mouth in the north to Brahmani river mouth in the south. It is the one of world’s most important nesting beach for turtles.

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Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina hosts the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1937, spans over 726,927 hectares and is home to 47 active glaciers, including the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier. Divided by Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, the park holds the scenic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in its northern segment. The park’s varied ecosystem sustains unique species and attracts over 688,000 visitors every year, making it a favorite among nature lovers and providing a crucial research site for scientists studying climate change.

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Vjetrenica Cave, positioned in Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasts remarkable biodiversity. As the world’s most biodiverse grotto, it houses over 200 animal species, with 90 troglobionts, creatures that live specifically in caves. The gem of nature spans 7,014 meters, augmented by four rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Named for the chilling winds emanating from its entrance, it maintains a constant 11 degrees Celsius temperature. Chronologically, its first mention was in 77 A.D by Pliny the Elder, and it has been a protected sanctuary since 1950. This haven for cave-dwelling animals also features unique species, including bacteria and fungi.