UPSC Environment & Ecology
These questions have been sourced from GKToday’s “Target 2026 UPSC Prelims” App Exclusive Course in GKToday Android Application which provides more than 40K General Knowledge and General Studies questions with explanations asked in all Competitive Exams of India.
21. Consider the following statements regarding bio-amplification of pesticides in food chains:
- The pesticide is soluble in water
- The pesticide is lipophilic
- The pesticide is not easily degraded
Which of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 and 3]
Notes:
Bio-amplification in food chains primarily occurs with substances that are both lipophilic (fat-soluble) and not easily degraded, allowing them to accumulate in organisms over time. Water-soluble substances are generally excreted easily and do not bio-magnify. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding the characteristics necessary for bio-amplification of pesticides.
22. Consider the following statements regarding the differences between Bio-amplification and Bio-concentration:
- Bio-concentration occurs within an organism, while Bio-amplification occurs across food chains.
- Bio-concentration pertains to inorganic substances such as metals, whereas Bio-amplification pertains to organic persistent chemicals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2 is correct
[B] Both 1 and 2 are correct
[C] Both 1 and 2 are incorrect
[D] Only 1 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 is correct]
Notes:
Bio-concentration refers to the accumulation of a substance within an organism, mostly from direct environmental sources, not limited to inorganic substances; it can include organics. Bio-amplification (biomagnification) describes increasing concentration of a substance across trophic levels (food chain). Hence, only the first statement is correct; the second is an inaccurate generalization.
23. Consider the following statements with reference to Compressed BioGas (CBG), promoted under the SATAT initiative by the Government of India:
- CBG can be naturally produced through the anaerobic decomposition of biomass without the need for mining.
- The major constituent of CBG is methane.
- CBG faces a key challenge in that it has a substantially lower calorific value than Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: CBG is naturally produced by anaerobic decomposition of biomass, requiring no mining, and its primary component is methane. Statement 3 is incorrect; CBG has calorific value and properties very similar to CNG, enabling its use as an efficient, renewable automotive fuel alternative under India's SATAT initiative.
24. In the context of India’s initiatives in promoting solar energy globally, consider the following statements:
- India established the International Solar Alliance.
- Global Solar Atlas provides data on solar power potential for each region.
- India recently developed a solar cell based on kumkum dye.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct: India, with France, established the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote solar energy. Statement 2 is correct: The Global Solar Atlas, launched by the World Bank with ISA, provides solar potential data worldwide. Statement 3 is correct: India recently developed a cost-effective solar cell using kumkum (New Fuchsin) dye, promoting innovative solar technology.
25. Which of the following areas come under the Tundra Biome?
- Russia
- North Korea
- Canada
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2
[D] Only 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
The tundra biome is found in the northernmost parts of the globe, including regions of Russia and Canada. North Korea is located further south and does not possess tundra biome characteristics. Major tundra regions include northern Canada, Alaska, European Russia, Siberia, and Arctic islands.
26. Consider the following statements regarding Aquaculture:
- It refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms and is also called aqua farming.
- It includes only marine water species and can range from land based to open ocean production.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Aquaculture, also known as aqua farming, is the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. It involves some intervention in rearing processes. Aquaculture includes both freshwater and marine species and may be done in land-based systems or open oceans. Statement 1 is correct; statement 2 is incorrect as it excludes freshwater species.
27. Which of the following are reasons for the depletion of wetlands?
- Overgrazing
- Aquaculture
- Conversion of lands for agriculture
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
All three—overgrazing, aquaculture, and conversion of land for agriculture—are key reasons for wetland depletion. Overgrazing degrades vegetation, aquaculture alters water regimes, and agricultural conversion leads to habitat loss. Comprehensive factors also include habitat destruction, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and climate change, contributing to wetland loss globally and in India.
28. Which of the following statements regarding Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) are correct?
- The provisions of CRZ were adopted in 1991.
- CRZ are classified into 5 zones.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification was first issued in 1991 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The CRZ areas are classified into four zones: CRZ-1, CRZ-2, CRZ-3, and CRZ-4. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
29. Which of the following species is/are migratory species?
- Crimson Rose Butterfly
- Bluethroat Bird
- Locust
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Crimson Rose butterfly migrates from India to Sri Lanka. The Bluethroat bird migrates to the Indian subcontinent and North Africa during winter. Locusts are known for large-scale migratory swarms across continents. Thus, all three species mentioned — Crimson Rose Butterfly, Bluethroat Bird, and Locust — exhibit migratory behaviour.
30. Which of the following statements regarding World Bee Day are correct:
- The theme for 2022 was ‘Bee Engaged: Celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping systems.’
- This day commemorates the birth of Anton Jansa.
- This day was proposed by India at the United Nations.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
World Bee Day is observed on May 20 to recognize the role of bees in ecosystems. The 2022 theme was ‘Bee Engaged: Celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping systems.’ The day commemorates the birth of Anton Jansa, pioneer of modern beekeeping. The proposal to proclaim World Bee Day was initiated by Slovenia, not India.
