31. Consider the following statements:
- A given species may occupy more than one trophic level in the same ecosystem at the same time.
- The trophic level represents a functional level rather than a specific species.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The trophic level signifies a functional position within an ecosystem's energy flow, not a specific species. A given species, such as a sparrow, may occupy more than one trophic level—being a primary consumer by eating seeds and fruits, and a secondary consumer by feeding on insects and worms—thus supporting both statements as correct.
32. Consider the following statements:
- The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.
- Species biodiversity can be measured through taxonomic diversity.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Species biodiversity can be assessed by counting species richness, abundance, and by evaluating taxonomic diversity (evolutive relationships among species). The Western Ghats are richer in amphibian species than the Eastern Ghats, owing to their older geological age, varied habitats, and climatic conditions, making both statements correct based on ecological and taxonomic studies.
33. Consider the following statements:
- The tropical latitudes have had a long evolutionary time for species diversification.
- Tropical environments are relatively more constant and predictable than temperate environments.
- The amount of solar energy available in the tropics is higher than in temperate regions.
Which of the above are the reasons for rich diversity in tropics as compared to temperate regions?
[A] All of the above
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [All of the above]
Notes:
Tropical latitudes, unlike temperate regions, have been less disturbed by glaciations, giving species longer periods for diversification. The more stable and predictable climate promotes niche specialization, increasing diversity. Additionally, abundant solar energy in the tropics leads to higher productivity, which indirectly supports greater species diversity compared to temperate zones.
34. Consider the following statements regarding the environmental movements.
- Unlike North, most environmental issues in the South are based on the assumption that people live in the forests.
- Wilderness-oriented perspectives have been predominant in Australia, Scandinavia, North America and New Zealand.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Both are correct statements. What distinguishes the forest movements of the South from those of the North is that the forests of the former are still peopled, whilst the forests of the latter are more or less devoid of human habitat. In this perspective, humans are not seen as part of nature.
35. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding condensation in the water cycle?
- At sufficient heights, the air becomes so cool that the water vapour present in it condenses to form tiny drops of water called droplets.
- It so happens that many droplets of water come together to form larger sized clouds.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as condensation involves cooling of air at heights causing water vapour to form droplets. Statement 2 is incorrect because droplets come together to form larger drops of water, not clouds. Clouds are collections of tiny droplets suspended in air. Only the first statement correctly describes condensation in the water cycle.
36. Which of the following statements regarding groundwater is/are correct?
- Moisture in the soil indicates the presence of water underground.
- The process of seeping of water into the ground is called infiltration.
- At places, groundwater is stored between layers of soft rock below the water table.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Soil moisture indicates underground water, and infiltration refers to water seeping into the ground. Statement 3 is incorrect as aquifers, which store groundwater, are typically located between hard rock layers below the water table, not soft rocks. Hence, the correct answer is Only 1 and 2.
37. Which of the following statements regarding the consequences of deforestation are correct?
- It causes droughts.
- It leads to increase in water holding capacity of soil.
- It results into desertification.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] All of the above
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] Only 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Deforestation can cause droughts by reducing rainfall and soil fertility, and it contributes to desertification by removing vegetation cover. However, deforestation actually decreases the water holding capacity of soil rather than increasing it, as loss of vegetation leads to poorer infiltration and greater soil erosion.
38. Which of the following Indian antelope species are listed as ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List?
- Nilgai
- Chousingha
- Tibetan Antelope
- Blackbuck
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 4
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:
Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) are listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN. Chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis) is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ and Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) as ‘Near Threatened’ in the IUCN Red List. Hence, only statements 1 and 4 are correct.
39. Which of the following personalities were associated with the Chipko Movement?
- Vimla Bahuguna
- Gaura Devi
- Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Select the correct answer 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: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Vimla Bahuguna played a significant role in the Chipko Movement along with her husband Sundarlal Bahuguna. Gaura Devi led the Mahila Mangal Dal and was instrumental in forest protection. Chandi Prasad Bhatt, a Padma Bhushan awardee, founded Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh, which initiated the movement. Therefore, all three were key contributors.
40. Which of the following comparisons between agroforestry and silviculture is/are correct?
- Agroforestry is a land use management system that primarily governs agricultural landscape with tree intervention whereas silviculture primarily deals with management of trees/forests.
- Agroforestry is a branch of agriculture only whereas silviculture is a branch of forestry only.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs with croplands or pasturelands, bridging agriculture and forestry. It focuses on agricultural landscapes enhanced by tree interventions. The Sub-Mission on Agroforestry Scheme operates under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Silviculture, a forestry branch, manages forest growth, composition, structure, and quality for purposes like timber production.
