(Papers) UPSC Pre Topic Wise Papers : Environment

2017 :

1. Which of the following practices can help in waterconservation in agriculture ?
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

2. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standardcriterion for
(a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood
(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions
Ans: C
Exp:
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand is an importantwater quality parameter which provides an indexto assess the effect discharged wastewater will have on the receiving environment.
• The higher the BOD value, the greater the amountof organic matter or “food” available foroxygen consuming bacteria.

3. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protectedunder Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972, what does it imply?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as thetiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individualsare under captive protection; and how it isimpossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct inthis context.
Ans: A

4. Recently there was a proposal to translocate someof the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat towhich one of the following sites?
(a) Corbett National Park
(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park
Ans: B
Exp: An environment ministry’s expert committee hasapproved Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh a the second home for Asiatic lions found only in Gir national park.

5. The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ issometimes seen in the news with reference to
(a) Developing solar power production in ourcountry.
(b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels inour country.
(c) Exporting our food products to other countries.
(d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to setup their campuses in our country.
Ans: A
Exp: The policy of Domestic Content Requirement is with intent to promote the local manufacturing of the components of solar generation equipment which includes the cells and modules.
• With an objective to establish India as a global leader in solar energy , the Ministry of New andRenewable Energy Launched its National SolarPolicy in 2010 named as Jawaharlal NehruNational Solar Mission (JNNSM). Phase 1 ofthe National policy was composed of 2 parts.
• Batch 1 of policy implementation: India requireddevelopers of solar photovoltaic projectsemploying crystalline silicon technology to usesolar modules manufacture in India
• Batch 2 India expanded this domestic sourcingrequirement to crystalline silicon solar cells aswell.

6. With, reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support totargeted developing countries to integrate climatechange into their development policies andbudgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute(WRI) and World Business Council forSustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow :
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A
Exp: The Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) isan initiative of the European Union. Its overallobjective is to build a new alliance on climatechange between the European Union and thepoor developing countries that are most affectedand that have the least capacity to deal withclimate change. The GCCA does not intend toset up a new fund or governance structure, butis working through the European Commission’sestablished channels for political dialogue andcooperation at national and international level.The GCCA+ aim is to boost the efficiency of itsresponse to the needs of vulnerable countriesand groups. Using ambitious and innovativeapproaches, it will achieve its goals by buildingon its two mutually reinforcing pillars:
• Under the first pillar, the GCCA+ serves as aplatform for dialogue and exchange ofexperience between the EU and developingcountries, focusing on climate policy andbringing renewed attention to the issue ofinternational climate finance. The results feedinto negotiations for a new climate deal underthe United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change (UNFCCC).
• Under the second pillar, the GCCA+ acts as asource of technical and financial support forthe world’s most climate-vulnerable countries,
whose populations need climate finance the most.Extra efforts will be made to strengthen thestrategically important issues of ecosystems-basedadaptation, migration and gender equality.

7. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,which of the following animals cannot be hunted byany person except under some provisions providedby law?
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Exp: The Government of India subsequently accordedthe highest level of protection to Gharial bybringing it under Schedule I of the Wild LifeProtection Act, 1972. In 1976, Project Crocodilewas initiated with support from the United NationsDevelopment Programme and Food andAgriculture Organization.The Indian wild ass is a subspecies of the onagernative to Southern Asia. As of 2016, it is listedas Near Threatened by IUCN.Wild Buffalo is also listed under the Schedule Iof the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

8. Consider the following statements :
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) toReduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is aunique initiative of G20 group of countries;
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbonand hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B
Exp: The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to ReduceShort-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCA (C)was launched by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and six countries—Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden,and the United States—on 16 February 2012.It focuses on O3, CH4, Black Carbon, and HFCs

9. Consider the following statements in respect ofTrade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora inCommerce (TRAFFIC):
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP).
2. The Mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure thattrade in wild plants and animals is not a threatto the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B
Exp: TRAFFIC has an enviable reputation as a reliableand impartial organisation, a leader in the fieldof conservation as it relates to wildlife trade.
TRAFFIC was established in 1976 and hasdeveloped into a global network, research-drivenand action-oriented, committed to deliveringinnovative and practical conservation solutionsbased on the latest information.TRAFFIC also works in close co-operation withthe Secretariat of the Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andFlora (CITES).TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network,works to ensure that trade in wild plants andanimals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

10. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: Pollination is affected adversely and the predators of butterflies are also affected, do not have impact on fungal infection.

11. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction iscompleted.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Exp: Algae can be grown using land and water notsuitable for plant and food production. The algalbiofuel technology includes selection of specificspecies for production and extraction ofvaluable co-products. The algaes arebioengineered for achieving advancephotosynthetic efficiencies through continueddevelopment of production system.To make the industry commercially viable,researchers have pursued biotech varieties,which could be particularly dangerous ifreleased into nature. Some algae biodieselproposals involve aquaculture-style operations
in open ocean waters, which could have harmfulecological effects, especially if biotech algae isused.
Water and nutrient use would also be extreme,making any serious scaling up of algae biofuelsquite unsustainable.

12. In the context of mitigating the impending globalwarming due to anthropogenic emission of carbondioxide, which of the following can be thepotentialsites for carbon sequestration?
1. Abandoned and Uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Exp: Capturing CO2 from the major stationary sourcesand its storage into deep geological formationsis considered as a potential mitigation option.
Geological storage of CO2 can be undertakenin a variety of geological settings in sedimentarybasins.
The options for CO2 are as follows:
• Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
• Use of CO2 in FOR
• Deep unmineable coal seams/enhanced coalbedmethane (ECBM) recovery
• Oceans
• Deep unused saline water-saturatedformations
• Other geological media are basalts, shales,and cavities
• Subterranean deep saline formations

13. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in thenews in the context of
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
Ans: B
Exp: The full form of M-STrIPES is Monitoring Systemfor Tigers’-Intensive Protection and EcologicalStatus. It’s a software monitoring system launchedby the Indian Government in 2010 in some tigerreserves. The aim is to reduce vulnerability ofTigers. The system would enable field managersto assist intensity and spatial coverage of patrolsin a geographic information system (GIS) domain

UPSC Mains General Studies Study Kit (GS I + GS II + GS III + GS IV)

Printed Study Material for IAS (UPSC) : General Studies PRE Cum MAINS

2016 :

1. On which of the following can you find the Bureauof Energy Efficiency Star Label?
1. Ceiling fans
2. Electric geysers
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Exp: It is invoked for equipment/appliances Room AirConditioner, Ceiling Fan, Colour Television,Computer, Direct Cool Refrigerator, DistributionTransformer, Domestic Gas Stove, Frost FreeRefrigerator, General Purpose Industrial Motor,Monoset Pump, OpenwellSubmersible Pump Set,Stationary Type Water Heater, Submersible PumpSet, Tfl, Ballast, Solid State Inverter, OfficeAutomation Products, Diesel Engine DrivenMono-setpumps For Agricultural Purposes,Diesel Generator Set, Led Lamps, Inverter Ac.

2. In the cities of our country, which among thefollowing atmospheric gases are normally consideredin calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur Dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 Only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 Only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: B
Exp: The Air quality index in India was recentlydeveloped by the IIT Kanpur. The Index considerseight pollutants — PM10 (particulate matter 10),PM2.5(particulate matter 2.5), NO2 (Nitrogendioxide), SO2 (Sulphur dioxide), CO (Carbonmonoxide), O3 (Ozone), NH3 (Ammoniac) an Pb(Lead)).

3. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?
1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
3. Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practicingdrip irrigation
Ans: C
Exp: It has no role in reduction in soil salinity.

4. Consider the following statements:
1. The International Solar Alliance was launchedat the United Nations Climate ChangeConference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countriesof the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
Exp: India and France launched an International Solar Alliance to boost solar energy in developing countries. The initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November by Indian Prime MinisterNarendera Modi and French President FrancoisHollande. The alliance includes around 120countries that support the “Declaration on theoccasion to launch the international solaralliance of countries dedicated to the promotionof solar energy.”

5. Consider the following statements:
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B
Exp: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),officially known as Transforming our world: the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are an intergovernmental set of aspiration Goals with169 targets. The Goals are contained inparagraph 54 United Nations Resolution A/RES/
70/1 of 25 September 2015. The history of theSDGs can be traced to 1972 when governmentsmet under the auspices of the United NationsHuman and Environment Conference, to considerthe rights of the human family to a healthy andproductive environment. and not the Club ofRome which is a global think tank that dealswith a variety of international political issues.Founded in 1968 at Accademia dei Lincei inRome, Italy, It raised considerable publicattention in 1972 with its report The Limits to
Growth. The club states that its mission is “toact as a global catalyst for change through theidentification and analysis of the crucialproblems facing humanity.

6. What is/are the importance/importances of the‘United Nations Convention to CombatDesertification?
1. It aims to promote effective action throughinnovative national programmes and supportiveinter-national partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asiaand North Africa regions, and its secretariatfacilitates the allocation of major portion of
financial resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to bottom-up approach,encouraging the participation of local people incombating the desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: The convention aims to promote effective actionthrough innovative national programmes andsupportive international partnerships. committedto a bottom-up approach, encouraging theparticipation of local people in combatingdesertification and land degradation.

7. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCCMeeting in Paris in 2015, which of the followingstatements is/are correct?
1. The Agreement was signed by all the membercountries of the UN and it will go into effect in2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhousegas emissions so that the rise in average globaltemperature by the end of this century does notexceed 20C or even 1.50C above pre-industriallevels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged theirhistorical responsibility in global warming andcommitted to donate S 1000 billion a year from
2020 to help developing countries to cope withclimate change.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Exp: Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reached a landmark agreement on December 12 in Paris, charting a fundamentally new course in the two-decadeold global climate effort. An historic agreementto combat climate change and unleash actionsand investment towards a low carbon, resilientand sustainable future was agreed by 195 nations
in Paris. The universal agreement’s main aim isto keep a global temperature rise this centurywell below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts
to limit the temperature increase even further to1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, or COP 21
agreed to extend the current goal of mobilizing$100 billion a year in support by 2020 through2025, with a new, higher goal to be set for theperiod after 2025. Option (1) is separatelycorrect but wrong with option (3)

8. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen inthe news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a global action plan for sustainabledevelopment.
2. It originated in the World Summit on SustainableDevelopment held in Johannesburg in 2002
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
Exp: It was initiated in Earth Summit (UN Conferenceon Environment and Development) held in Riode Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.

9. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
(a) It is an international accounting tool forgovernment and business leaders to understand,quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
(b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offerfinancial incentives to developing countries toreduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopteco-friendly technologies
(c) It is an inter-governments agreement ratifiedby all the member countries of the UnitedNations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions tospecified levels by the year 2022
(d) It is one of the multilateral REDD-initiativeshosted by the World Bank
Ans: A
Exp: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) providesaccounting and reporting standards, sectorguidance, calculation tools, and trainings for business and government. It establishes acomprehensive, global, standardized frameworkfor measuring and managing emissions from private and public sector operations, valuechains, products, cities, and policies.

10. The term Intended Nationally DeterminedContribution is sometimes seen in the news in thecontext of:
(a) Pledge made by the European countries torehabilitate refuges from the war-affectedMiddle East.
(b) Plain of nation outlined by the countries of theworld to combat climate changes.
(c) Capital contributed by the member countries inthe establishment of Asian InfrastructureInvestment Bank.
(d) Plain of action outlined by the countries of theregarding Sustainable Developments Goals.
Ans: B
Exp: INDCs are the primary means for governmentsto communicate internationally the steps they willtake to address climate change in their own
countries. INDCs will reflect each country’sambition for reducing emissions, taking intoaccount its domestic circumstances and
capabilities for achieving sustainabledevelopment goals.

11. Which of following statements is/are correct?Proper design and effective implementation of UNREDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 Only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

12. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economicsof Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which ofthe following statements is/are correct?
1. It is initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and WorldEconomic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawingattention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decisionmakers recognize, demonstrate and capture thevalue of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 Only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity(TEEB) is an initiative hosted by the United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP).
13. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seenin the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a part of SouthIndia.
2. It is one of the most important trees in thetropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
Exp: It is a species of thorny deciduous region.14. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news inthe context of promoting the
(a) production and use of solar energy by thehouseholds/consumers
(b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens ofhouseholds
(c) installation of CNG kits in motor- cars
(d) installation of water meters in urban households
Ans: A
Exp: Net metering is a billing mechanism that creditssolar energy system owners for the electricitythey add to the grid.

15. Which of the following best describe the aim of‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?
1. Incorporating environment benefits and costsinto the Union and State Budgets therebyimplementing the ‘green accounting’.
2. Launching the second green revolution toenhance agriculture output so as to ensure foodsecurity to one and all in the future.
3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover andresponding to climate change by a combinationof adaptation and mitigation measures.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 Only
(c) 3 Only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: The objectives are:
• To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5million hectares (mha) and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/nonforestlands;
• To improve/enhance eco-system services like carbonsequestration and storage (in forests and otherecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity;along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder,and timber and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs);and
• To increase forest based livelihood income of about3 million households.

16. Consider the following pairs:Terms sometimes seen in the news Their origin
1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions Reductions : NagoyaProtocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism : KyotoProtocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctlymatched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: All the terms are associated with Kyoto Protocol.Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) are a typeof emissions unit (or carbon credits) issued bythe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)Executive Board for emission reductions achievedby CDM projects and verified by a DOE
(Designated Operational Entity) under the rulesof the Kyoto Protocol.Annex I parties are industrialized countriesbelonging to the Organization for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD) andcountries designated as Economies in Transitionunder the Framework Convention on ClimateChange (FCCC), that pledged to reduce theirgreenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by theyear 2000.
17. Why does the Government of India promote theuse of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?
(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increasesnitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
(b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolutionof urea in the soil
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is notat all released into atmosphere by crop fields
(d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizerfor particular crops
Ans: B
Exp: When ordinary urea is applied, it gets convertedto ammonium carbamate. Some of this getsconverted to ammonia gas in what is called
ammonia volatilisation. The rest of the ammoniumcarbamate undergoes chemical transfor-mationand nitrates are formed. Some of these are
absorbed by the plants. The rest are eitherleached into the underground water or aredenitrified to gaseous nitrogen and nitrous oxide
under anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen).Neem has properties that check nitrogen loss ateach stage. It slows down the process of nitrateformation and hence excess nitrate is notavailable for denitrification

2015 :

1. Which of the following National Parks is unique inbeing a swamp with floating vegetation that supportsa rich biodiversity?
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(d) Sultanpur National Park
Ans: B
Exp: The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a nationalpark in the Bishnupur district of the stateof Manipur. Keibul Lamjao National is world’sonly floating national park. The park isa swamp with floating mass of vegetation (calledphumdis), at the south-eastern side of the LoktakLake, which has been declared a Ramsar site. Itwas initially declared as a Sanctuary in 1966, butsubsequently declared as National Park in 1977.

2. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriateuse of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganismsin soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water canoccur.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: Excess nitrogen leads to proliferation of nitrogenfixing bacteria thus causing eutrophication (inin the soil due to excessive application of Nitrogen,it is increasingly converted to nitrate by bacterialaction, a process that releases hydrogen ions andhelps acidify the soil. The buildup of nitrateenhances emissions of nitrous oxides from thesoil and also encourages leaching of highly watersoluble nitrate into streams or groundwater.

3. With reference to the International Union forConservation of Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN) and the Convention on International Tradein Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES), which of the following statements is/arecorrect?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations andCITES is an international agreement betweengovernments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects aroundthe world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that havejoined it, but this Convention does not take theplace of national laws

.Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Exp: IUCN is not an organ of the United Nations buthas observer and consultative status at the UnitedNations. CITES (the Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andFlora) is an international agreement betweengovernments.

4. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the powerplants using coal as fuel, which of the followingstatements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricksfor building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for someof the Portland cement contents of concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calciumoxide only, and does not contain any toxicelements.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: A
Exp: Fly ash may contain (apart from silicon dioxideand calcium oxide) some toxic elements such asarsenic, load, mercury etc.

5. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found inIndia, which of the following statements is/arecorrect?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the, entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I ofthe Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: C
Exp: The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a herbivorousmarine mammal, often called the “sea cow” forits habit of grazing on seagrass meadows. Thehabitats of Dugong in India include major reefregions of Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andamanand Nicobar Islands and Gulf of Kachchh (notthe entire coast). It has been protected at serialno.-7 of part-I (Mammal) of schedule I [Rareand endangered species which are totallyprotected] of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

6. Which one of the following is the national aquaticanimal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
Ans: C
Exp: The Gangetic Dolphin was included in ScheduleI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In 1982,the dolphin population in the Ganga was estimatedto be between 5,000 and 6,000. But, by 2010, ithad dwindled to less than 2,000. In 2009, thegovernment notified the Gangetic Dolphin as thenational aquatic animal to channel attention andresources towards conserving the species. Thedolphins are an indicator species for the riverecosystem and are considered the mascot of ahealthy aquatic environment.

7. Which one of the following regions of Indian has acombination of mangrove forest, evergreen forestand deciduous forest?
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicober Islands
Ans: D
Exp: The South Andaman forests have a profuse growthof epiphytic vegetation, mostly ferns and orchids.The Middle Andamans harbours mostly moistdeciduous forests. North Andamans is characterisedby the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woodyclimbers. This atypical forest coverage of Andaman& Nicobar is made-up of twelve types namely (1)Giant evergreen forest (2) Andamans tropicalevergreen forest (3) Southern hilltop tropicalevergreen forest (4) Cane brakes (5) Wet bamboobrakes (6) Andamans semi-evergreen forest (7)Andamans moist deciduous forest (8) Andamanssecondary moist deciduous forest (9) Littoral forest(10) Mangrove forest (11) Brackish water mixedforest (12) Submontane hill valley swamp forest.

8. Which one the following is associated with the issueof control and phasing out of the use of ozonedepleting substances?

(a) Bretton Woods Conference
(b) Montreal Protocol
(c) Kyoto Protocol
(d) Nagoya Protocol
Ans: B
Exp: The Montreal Protocol is widely considered as themost successful environment protection agreement.The Protocol sets out a mandatory timetable forthe phase out of ozone depleting substances. Thistimetable has been reviewed regularly, with phaseThe Montreal Protocol sets binding progressivephase out obligations for developed and developingcountries for all the major ozone depletingsubstances, including CFCs, halons and lessdamaging transitional chemicals such as HCFCs.

9. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in thenews?
(a) It is the United Nations Conference onSustainable Development
(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World TradeOrganization
(c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmentalPanel on Climate Change
(d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries ofthe Convention on Biological Diversity
Ans: A
Exp: Rio+203 is the short name for the UnitedNations Conference on Sustainable Developmentwhich took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil inJune 2012 – twenty years after the landmark1992 Earth Summit in Rio.At the Rio+20 Conference, world leaders, alongwith thousands of participants from the privatesector, NGOs and other groups, came togetherto shape how we can reduce poverty, advancesocial equity and ensure environmental protectionon an ever more crowded planet.The official discussions focussed on two mainthemes: how to build a green economy to achievesustainable development and lift people out ofpoverty; and how to improve internationalcoordination for sustainable development.AT Rio+20, more than $513 billion was pledgedto build a sustainable future. It signaled a majorstep forward in achieving the future we want.

10. Which of the statements regarding ‘Green ClimateFund’ is/are correct?
1. It is intended to assist the developing countriesin adaption and mitigation practices to counterclimate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD,Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
Exp: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund withinthe framework of the UNFCCC founded as amechanism to redistribute money from the developedto the developing world, in order to assist thedeveloping countries in adaptation and mitigationpractices to counter climate change. The GCF isbased in the new Songdo district of Incheon, SouthKorea. It is governed by a Board of 24 membersand initially supported by an Interim Secretariat.

11. Which one of the following National Parks has aclimate that varies from tropical to subtropical,temperate and arctic?
(a) Khangchendzonga National Park
(b) Nandadevi National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Namdapha National Park
Ans: D
Exp: The climate of Khangchendzonga and NandadeviNational Parks varies from temperate to arctic andthat of Neora National Park is subtropical. OnlyNamdapha National Park has a climate that variesfrom tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic.

12. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable ForestLandscapes’ is managed by the
(a) Asian Development Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) World Bank
Ans: D
Exp: Three nations are funding a major newBioCarbon Fund initiative to support forestlandscapes. The funding pledge was announcedduring an event at the United Nations’ climatesummit in Warsaw, known as COP19.Norway, the United Kingdom, and the UnitedStates together committed $280 million – up to$135 million from Norway, $120 million fromthe U.K, and $25 million from the U.S. – as partof their efforts to slow climate change.The initiative will be managed by the BioCarbonFund, a public-private program housed withinthe World Bank that mobilizes finance foractivities that sequester or conserve carbonemissions in forest and agricultural systems.

13. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon PartnershipFacility’, which of the following statements is/arecorrect?
1. It is a global partnership of governments,businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
2. It provides financial aid to universities, individualscientists and institutions involved in scientificforestry research to develop eco-friendly andclimate adaptation technologies for sustainableforest management.
3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation andForest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing themwith financial and technical assistance.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility is a globalpartnership of governments, businesses, civil society,and Indigenous Peoples focused on reducingemissions from deforestation and forest degradation,forest carbon stock conservation, the sustainablemanagement of forests, and the enhancement offorest carbon stocks in developing countries(activities commonly referred to as REDD+).

14. With reference to an organization known as‘BirdLife International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Partnership of ConservationOrganizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originatedfrom this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: BirdLife international is a global partnership ofconservation organisations that strives to conservebirds, their habitats and global biodiversity,working with people towards sustainability in theuse of natural resources. It is the World’s largestpartnership of conservation organisations, withover 120 partner organisations 120 partnerorganisations.An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) is
an area recognized as being globally importanthabitat for the conservation of birds populations.Currently there are about 10,000 IBAs worldwide.The program was developed and sites areidentified by BirdLife International. These sitesare small enough to be entirely conserved anddiffer in their character, habitat or ornithologicalimportance from the surrounding habitat.A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region
with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that isunder threat from humans. Norman Myers wroteabout the concept in two articles in “TheEnvironmentalist” (1988), & 1990revised afterthorough analysis by Myers and others in“Hotspots: Earth’s Biologically Richest and Most
Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions”

15. Which one of the following is the best descriptionof the term ‘ecosystem’?
(a) A community of organisms interacting with oneanother
(b) That part of the Earth which is inhabited byliving organisms
(c) A community of organisms together with theenvironment in which they live
(d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area
Ans: C
Exp: A community of organisms together with theenvironment in which they live16. Which one of the following best describes the mainobjective of ‘Seed Village Concept’?

(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farmseeds and discouraging them to buy the seedsfrom others
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seedproduction and thereby to make available qualityseeds to others at appropriate time andaffordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for theproduction of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in villages andproviding them technology and finance to setup seed companies
Ans: B
Exp: A village, wherein trained group of farmers areinvolved in production ‘of seeds of various cropsand cater to the needs of themselves, fellowfarmers of the village and farmers ofneighbouring villages in appropriate time andat affordable cost is called “a seed village”.

2014 :

1. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS), consider the following statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization under theMinistry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through actionbased research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails andcamps for the general public.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

2. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasonsfor the decline in the population of Ganges RiverDolphins?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agriculturalchemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

3. If you walk through countryside, you are likely tosee some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seizethe insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses.
Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: B

4. The most important strategy for the conservation ofbiodiversity together with traditional human life isthe establishment of
(a) Biosphere reserves
(b) Botanical gardens
(e) National parks
(d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: A

5. Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant GeneticResources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to CombatDesertification
3. The World Heritage Convention Which of the above has / have a bearing on thebiodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

6. The most important strategy for the conservation ofbiodiversity together with traditional human life isthe establishment of
(a) Biosphere reserves
(b) Botanical gardens
(c) National parks
(d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: A

7. Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is establishedunder the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is astatutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chairedby the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) only 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

8. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’,which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘UnitedNations Framework Convention on ClimateChange’
(b) It undertakes scientific research onenvironmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate thetransfer of technology and funds tounderdeveloped countries with specific aim toprotect their environment.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans: A

9. Consider the following statements regarding ‘EarthHour’:
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participantsswitch off the lights for one hour on a certainday every year.

3. It is a movement to raise the awareness aboutthe climate change and the need to save theplanet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

10. If a wetland of international importance is broughtunder the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred,are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetlandas a result of human interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is locatedshould enact a law to prohibit any human activitywithin five kilo metres from the edge of thewetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on thecultural practices and traditions of certaincommunities living in its vicinity and therefore
the cultural diversity therein should not bedestroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Ans: A

11. Brominated flame retardants are used in manyhousehold products like mattresses and upholstery.Why is there some concern about their use?
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in theenvironment.

2. They are able to accumulate in humans andanimals.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C

14. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide tothe carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) Only 2
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

15. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecologicalsuecession even on a bare rock, are actually asymbiotic association of
(a) Algae and bacteria
(b) Algae and fungi
(c) Bacteria and fungi
(d) Fungi and mosses
Ans: B

16. Which of the following are some important pollutantsreleased by steel industry in India?
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

17. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associatedwith which of the following?
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate’
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

18. Which one of the following is the correct sequenceof a food chain?
(a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
(b) Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
(c) Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
(d) Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms
Ans: A

19. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which ofthe following statements is/are correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that aredeclared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-SensitiveZones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities,in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D

2013 :

1. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other TraditionalForest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the processfor determining the nature and extent of individualor community forest rights or both?
(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/MandalRevenue Officer
(d) Gram Sabha
Ans: D

2. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environmentby
(a) Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
(b) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
(c) Ozone and carbon dioxide
(d) Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
Ans: D

3. With reference to food chains in ecosystems,consider the following statements:
1. A food chain illustrates the order in which achain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations ofa species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of eachorganism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Ans: A

4. In which of the following States is lion-tailedmacaque found in its natural habitat?
1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala
3. Karnataka 4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) Only 2
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

5. Which one of the following terms describes notonly the physical space occupied by an organism,but also its functional role in the community oforganisms?
(a) Ecotone (b) Ecological niche
(c) Habitat (d) Home range
Ans: B

6. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reactionamong:
(a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in thepresence of sunlight
(b) CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presenceof sunlight
(c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature
(d) High concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in theevening
Ans: A

7. Consider the following
1. Star tortoise 2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog 4. Spider monkey
Which of the above found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

8. Which of the following can be found as pollutantsin the drinking water in some parts of India?
1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: C

9. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grassesas a part of an ecological succession because of:
(a) Insects and fungi
(b) Limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
(c) Water limits and fire
(d) None of the above
Ans: C

10. Which one of the following is the correct sequenceof ecosystems in the order of decreasingproductivity?
(a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
(b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
(c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
(d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
Ans: C

11. Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Ans: C

12. Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

13. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems,which of the following kinds of organism is / areknown as decomposer organism/organisms?
1. Virus 2. Fungi
3. Bacteria
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

2012 :

1. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects theindigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises thescientific research on genetic modification ofcrop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rightsrelated to genetic/biological resources cannotbe made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

2. If national water mission is properly and completelyimplemented how will it impact the country?
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will bemet through recycling of waste water.
2. The water requirements of coastal cities withinadequate alternative sources of water will bemet by adopting appropriate technologies thatallow for the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linkedto the rivers of peninsular India
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for diggingbore wells and for installing motors and pumpsets to draw groundwater will be completelyreimbursed by the Government

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B

3. Consider the following statements:Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone depletingsubstances are used
1. In the production of plastic foams
2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. In cleaning certain electronic components
4. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) Only 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

4. Government of India encourages the cultivation of‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of thisplant?
1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and inpreventing desertification.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted tolive in cold areas of high altitudes.
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

5. With reference to the wetlands of India, considerthe following statements:
1. The country’s total geographical area under thecategory of wetlands is recorded more in Gujratas Compared to other states
2. In India, the total geographical area of coastalwetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C

6. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the airis slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere,because it absorbs
(a) The water vapour of the air and retains its heat
(b) The UV part of the solar radiation
(c) All the solar radiations
(d) The infrared part of the solar radiation
Ans: D

7. Other than resistance to pests, what are theprospects for which genetically engineered plantshave been created?
1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis
in spaceships and space stations
4. To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

8. Consider the following protected areas:
1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas 4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B

9. In which one among the following categories ofprotected areas in India are local people not allowedto collect and use the biomass?
(a) Biosphere reserves
(b) National parks
(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar convention
(d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: B

10. Which one of the following groups of animalsbelongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian bustard, Musk Deer, Red PandaAsiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetah, Blue Bull, GIB
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey,Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion Tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, HanumanLangur, Cheetah
Ans: A

11. The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment describes thefollowing major categories of ecosystem servicesprovisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving andcultural. Which one of the following is supportingservice?
(a) Production of food and water
(b) Control of climate and disease
(c) Nutrient Cycling and crop pollinator
(d) Maintenance of diversity
Ans: C

12. Which of the following can be threats to thebiodiversity of a geographical area?
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

13. Consider the following:
1. Black necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B

14. Consider the following agricultural practices:
1. Contour bunding 2. Relay cropping
3. Zero tillage
In the context of global climate change, which ofthe above helps/help in carbon sequestration/ storagein the soil?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of them
Ans: B

15. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean iscompletely destroyed for some reason?
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adverselyaffected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adverselyaffected.
3. The density of ocean water would drasticallydecrease.
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Only 2
(c) Only 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

2011 :

1. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence inthe following ways:
1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4. Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

2. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic regionhas been a cause of concern. What could be thereason for the formation of this hole?
(a) Presence of prominent tropo-spheric turbulence;and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b) Presence of prominent polar front andstratospheric’ clouds; and inflow ofchlorofluorocarbons
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds;and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d) Increased temperature at polar region due toglobal warming
Ans: B

3. Regarding “carbon, credits”, which one of thefollowing statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified inconjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries orgroups that have reduced greenhouse gasesbelow their emission quota
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limitthe increase of carbon dioxide emission
(d) Carbon credits are- traded at a price fixed fromtime to time by the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme
Ans: B

4. There is a concern: over the increase in harmfulalgal blooms in the seawaters of India. What couldbe the causative factors for this phenomenon?
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3. Upwelling in the seas.
Select the correct answer from the codes given
below:
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

5. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of anIndian animal species. The animal has no predatorsin that area but its existence is threatened due tothe destruction of its habitat. Which one of thefollowing could be that animal?
(a) Indian wild buffalo
(b) Indian wild ass
(c) Indian wild boar
(d) Indian gazelle
Ans: B

6. The “Red Data Books” published by the InternationalUnion for Conservation of Nature and NaturalResources (IUCN) contain lists of:
1. Endemic plant and animal species present inthe biodiversity hotspots,
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature andnatural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes givenbelow:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: B

7. Three of the following criteria have contributed tothe recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka andIndo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm andhumid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in thiscontext?
(a) 1, 2 and 6 (b) 2, 4 and 6
(c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 6
Ans: C

8. Human activities in the recent past have Causedthe increased concentration of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in thelower atmosphere because of:
1. its escape into the outer stratosphere.
2. the photosynthesis by phyto-plankton in theoceans.
3. the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: C

9. In the context of ecosystem productivity, marineupwelling zones are important as they increase themarine productivity by bringing the:
1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. nutrients to the surface.
3. bottom-dwelling organisms to- the surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: B

10. With reference to India, consider the followingCentral Acts:
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation)Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearingon the biodiversity conservation in the country?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) None of the above Acts
Ans: C

2010 :

1. Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why?
(a) Their growth in shady and dark places does notallow them to undertake sufficient photosynthesisand thus they depend on insects for nutrition
(b) They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficientsoils and thus depend on insects for sufficientnitrogenous nutrition
(c) They cannot synthesize certain vitaminsthemselves and depend on the insects digestedby them
(d) They have remained in that particular stage ofevolution as living fossils, a link betweenautotrophs and heterotrophs
Ans: B
2. Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book
3. A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxustree is effective against Parkinson’s disease
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) Only 3
Ans: B

3. A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon issprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Foodcrop – Rat – Snake – Hawk. In this food chain, thehighest concentration of the pesticide wouldaccumulate in which one of the following?
(a) Food crop (b) Rat
(c) Snake (d) Hawk
Ans: D

4. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its ownnest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attractother snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest togive birth to its offspring
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in thenest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold blooded animal and needs anest to hibernate in the cold season
Ans: C

5. Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide(CO) into the air may produce a condition in whichoxygen supply in the human body decrease. Whatcauses this condition?
(a) When inhaled into the human body, CO isconverted into CO2
(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity forhaemoglobin as compared to oxygen
(c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structureof haemoglobin
(d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratorycentre in the brain
Ans: B