IAS Environment & Ecology — Environment & Ecology previous year questions with solutions.
The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. 2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. 3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. 4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture? 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources. 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?
What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements: 1. The country's total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States. 2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?
What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? 1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected. 2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected. 3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
With reference to India, consider the following Central 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/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country ?
A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal ?
In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine 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 ?
If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole ?
Consider the following statements : 1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes. 2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge ?
Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct ?
Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora ?
Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-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 and humid conditions Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context ?
The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon ?
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the 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 given below :
Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this ?
Consider the following : 1. Photosynthesis 2. Respiration 3. Decay of organic matter 4. Volcanic action Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth ?
India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar sites. Which of the following statements best describes how we should maintain these sites in the context of this convention?
Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/reasons is this attributable? 1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane. 2. When nitrogen-based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere: 1. Soot 2. Sulphur hexafluoride 3. Water vapour Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?