Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
41. Which of the following is an organism that obtains hydrogen or electrons from organic substrates?
[A] Lithophiles
[B] Organotroph
[C] Mixotroph
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: B [Organotroph]
Notes:
Organisms that obtains hydrogen or electrons from organic substrates are known as Organotrophs. Some organotrophs such as animals and many bacteria can also be heterotrophs.
42. Where is Lingambudhi Lake located?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Hubbali
[C] Mysuru
[D] Shivamogga
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Correct Answer: C [Mysuru]
Notes:
Lingambudhi Lake is situated in Mysuru city, Karnataka. Mysuru is known for its lakes and parks, and Lingambudhi Lake is a well-known water body in this region. It serves as an important ecological and recreational area within the city limits.
43. Which of the following gas is most harmful for ozone layer?
[A] Carbon dioxide
[B] Chlorofluro-carbon
[C] Nitrogen oxide
[D] Sulphur dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chlorofluro-carbon]
Notes:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, non-flammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants. Because CFCs contribute to?ozone?depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
44. Which of the following three ‘R’s are regarded as environment friendly?
[A] Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
[B] Read, Register, Recall
[C] Reduce, Rebuild, Restrict
[D] Random, Reduce, Recall
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Correct Answer: A [Reduce, Reuse, Recycle]
Notes:
The three R’s of eco-friendly living are: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. They all help to cut down on the amount of waste, we throw away. They conserve natural resources, landfill space and energy.
45. Basel Protocol is related to which of the following?
[A] Ozone layer
[B] Sea water pollution
[C] Burning of forests
[D] Trans-boundary hazardous dumping
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Trans-boundary hazardous dumping]
Notes:
The Basel Protocol on Liability and Compensation was adopted at the Fifth Conference of Parties (COP 5) on10 December 1999. The objective of the Protocol is to provide for a comprehensive regime for liability as well as adequate and prompt compensation for damage resulting from the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and other wastes, including incidents occurring because of illegal traffic in those wastes.
46. Absence of fish along a river indicates _____:
[A] Zone of active decomposition
[B] Zone of degradation
[C] Zone of recovery
[D] All zones of pollution
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Correct Answer: B [Zone of degradation]
Notes:
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.
47. Which one of the following is an indicator of air pollution?
[A] Cycas
[B] Algae
[C] Bryophytes
[D] Lichens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lichens]
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.
48. The term ‘Ecological sanitation’ is associated with:
[A] Plastic Waste
[B] Human excreta
[C] Air Pollution
[D] Vultures
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Correct Answer: B [Human excreta]
Notes:
Ecological sanitation is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets. This is a practical, hygienic, efficient and cost-effective solution to human waste disposal. With this composting method, human excreta can be recycled into a resource (as natural fertiliser), which reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
49. Heard and McDonald Islands belong to which country?
[A] Australia
[B] United Kingdom
[C] New Zealand
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Australia]
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.
50. In which country is the Pantanal wetland located?
[A] Brazil
[B] Argentina
[C] Peru
[D] Bolivia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brazil]
Notes:
The Pantanal Conservation Area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accounts for 1.3% of the vast Pantanal wetland in Brazil and spans across 187,818 hectares. It provides shelter for more than 650 bird species, 325 fish species, and 80 mammal species, including giant armadillo and jaguar. The area’s unique ecosystem extends from floodplains to the Amolar Mountains, supporting diverse habitats and maintaining regional fish stocks. Moreover, it is an all-important breeding ground for wetland birds and refuge for globally threatened species like the hyacinth macaw. Additionally, it is a Ramsar Wetland and a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.