Environment and Ecology

111. In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis

In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?

[amp_mcq option1=”Extraction of rare earth elements” option2=”Natural gas extraction technologies” option3=”Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles” option4=”Waste-to-energy technologies” correct=”option4″]

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Option D is correct. Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are thermal treatment processes used to break down organic and carbonaceous materials, particularly various types of waste (municipal solid waste, biomass, industrial waste), at high temperatures. These processes convert waste into energy (heat, electricity) and valuable byproducts like syngas (synthesis gas), making them key technologies in the waste-to-energy sector.
– Pyrolysis involves heating material in the absence of oxygen.
– Plasma gasification uses extremely high temperatures generated by a plasma arc.
– Both processes convert complex organic matter into simpler compounds, often producing combustible gases (syngas) and solid residue.
– These techniques are applied to efficiently manage waste and recover energy or resources from it.
– While hydrogen fuel can be produced from syngas generated by these methods (Option C), pyrolysis and plasma gasification themselves are technologies for processing waste materials, not primarily for extracting rare earth elements (Option A) or natural gas (Option B).

112. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest th

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

[amp_mcq option1=”Creating the artificial rains in some regions” option2=”Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones” option3=”Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth” option4=”Reducing the global warming” correct=”option4″]

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Option D is correct. Cirrus cloud thinning and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere are proposed geoengineering techniques falling under the category of Solar Radiation Management (SRM). These methods aim to reflect incoming solar radiation back into space to counteract the warming effects of greenhouse gases, thereby reducing global warming.
– Cirrus cloud thinning involves modifying wispy, high-altitude cirrus clouds to make them less reflective or reduce their greenhouse effect.
– Stratospheric aerosol injection proposes releasing aerosols like sulfur dioxide (which forms sulfate aerosols) into the upper atmosphere to mimic the cooling effect observed after large volcanic eruptions.
– Both are geoengineering proposals aimed at increasing Earth’s albedo (reflectivity) or reducing the greenhouse effect of certain clouds.
– These techniques are controversial due to potential unintended side effects on climate patterns, environment, and complex governance issues.
– Creating artificial rain (Option A) is usually done by cloud seeding in lower atmospheric layers.
– While climate change affects tropical cyclones (Option B), these techniques are not specifically designed or guaranteed to reduce cyclone frequency or intensity, although changes in global temperatures could indirectly affect them.
– Solar wind (Option C) is a stream of charged particles from the Sun and is unrelated to these atmospheric techniques.

113. Consider the following statements: Asiatic lion is naturally found i

Consider the following statements:

  • Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
  • Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
  • One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

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Option A is correct. Only statement 1 is correct.
– Statement 1: Asiatic lion (*Panthera leo persica*) is naturally found only in the Gir Forest National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat, India.
– Statement 2: Double-humped camel (*Camelus bactrianus*) is naturally found in Central Asian deserts (e.g., parts of Mongolia and China). A population exists in Ladakh, India (Nubra Valley), but it is not naturally found *only* in India.
– Statement 3: The Great Indian Rhinoceros (*Rhinoceros unicornis*) is found naturally in the Terai region of the Himalayas, which includes parts of India (e.g., Assam, West Bengal) and Nepal (e.g., Chitwan National Park). It is not naturally found *only* in India.
– The double-humped camel population in Ladakh is believed to have been introduced centuries ago for use on trade routes.
– Nepal has significant populations of the One-horned Rhinoceros, particularly in Chitwan National Park.

114. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the tempe

Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

[amp_mcq option1=”Manas National Park” option2=”Namdapha National Park” option3=”Neora Valley National Park” option4=”Valley of Flowers National Park” correct=”option4″]

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The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand and is situated at altitudes ranging from about 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level. This altitude range falls squarely within the temperate alpine zone of the Himalayas, characterized by alpine meadows above the tree line. Among the given options, it is the park that lies predominantly, if not completely, within this ecological zone, known for its vast diversity of alpine flora. The other parks are located at lower altitudes or span a wider range of ecological zones.
Valley of Flowers is famous for its alpine meadows and high-altitude location in the temperate alpine zone.
Manas National Park is in Assam, largely subtropical. Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh has a range from tropical to alpine, but it’s not *completely* alpine. Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal covers subtropical to temperate forests but does not primarily lie in the high alpine zone. The Valley of Flowers, along with the adjacent Nanda Devi National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique alpine flora and fauna.

115. Consider the following statements : 1. The definition of “Critical Wil

Consider the following statements :
1. The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

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Statement 1 is correct: The Forest Rights Act, 2006 explicitly defines “Critical Wildlife Habitat” for the purpose of relocating communities while preserving their rights. Statement 2 is correct: The Baiga community in Chhattisgarh was among the first to receive Habitat Rights under the FRA, which recognizes their customary rights over traditional territories. Statement 3 is incorrect: Habitat Rights under the FRA are community rights claimed by the Gram Sabha and processed through local and district-level committees, not decided and declared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) is a key legislation recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling communities, including individual rights (like cultivation) and community rights (like use of minor forest produce, grazing, and habitat rights). Critical Wildlife Habitats are defined under the Act to balance conservation needs with rights.
Habitat Rights are granted to Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and pre-agricultural communities, recognizing their rights over their customary habitat and providing for management and conservation. The process for claiming and verifying rights under the FRA is decentralized, starting with the Gram Sabha.

116. “Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched

“Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

[amp_mcq option1=”The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change” option2=”The UNEP Secretariat” option3=”The UNFCCC Secretariat” option4=”The World Meteorological Organization” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) The UNFCCC Secretariat.
“Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat. It is part of the broader “Momentum for Change” program, which showcases innovative solutions for climate action from around the world. The “Climate Neutral Now” element specifically encourages and supports individuals, organizations, and governments to measure their climate footprint, reduce emissions as much as possible, and compensate for the unavoidable emissions by purchasing UN-certified carbon credits, thereby achieving climate neutrality.
The UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement. Its Secretariat supports all institutions involved in the UN climate change process, including the Conference of the Parties (COP). Initiatives like “Momentum for Change” are part of the UNFCCC’s efforts to promote climate action and raise awareness globally.

117. Consider the following statements : 1. Most of the world’s coral re

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
  • 2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
  • 3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3.
Let’s evaluate each statement regarding coral reefs:
1. **Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters:** This statement is correct. Corals require specific environmental conditions for growth, including warm water temperatures (typically between 20-30°C), shallow depths allowing sunlight penetration (for symbiotic algae), clear water, and normal marine salinity. These conditions are predominantly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
2. **More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines:** This statement is correct. These three countries are part of the “Coral Triangle,” a marine region considered the global center of marine biodiversity. Australia hosts the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. Indonesia and the Philippines have extensive reef systems within the Coral Triangle, which collectively hold the highest diversity of corals and reef fish globally. Together, these three nations account for a very significant proportion of the world’s coral reefs.
3. **Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests:** This statement is correct. While tropical rainforests are incredibly rich in species (especially insects and plants), marine ecosystems, in general, host a greater diversity of animal *phyla* compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Coral reefs, being highly complex and productive marine environments, are known to support a vast array of marine life representing a wide range of animal phyla, including sponges, cnidarians (corals, jellyfish), mollusks, arthropods, annelids, echinoderms, chordates (fish, turtles, etc.), and many others. The number of phyla found in marine environments is substantially higher than on land, and coral reefs are hotspots for this phylogenetic diversity.
Coral reefs are critically important ecosystems, providing habitat for a quarter of all marine species, protecting coastlines from erosion and storms, and supporting livelihoods through fisheries and tourism. They are, however, highly vulnerable to threats like climate change (ocean warming and acidification), pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

118. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?

Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.” option2=”It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.” option3=”Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.” option4=”None of the above” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
Prosopis juliflora is a highly invasive species native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It was introduced to many parts of the world, including India, often for purposes like fuelwood, fodder, or soil stabilization in arid regions. However, it has become notorious for its invasive characteristics.
– It grows rapidly, forms dense thickets, and outcompetes native vegetation for water, sunlight, and nutrients.
– It alters soil properties and microhabitats.
– This aggressive growth and competition lead to a significant reduction in native plant species diversity.
– The reduced plant diversity impacts the fauna that depend on native plants for food and shelter, leading to a decline in overall biodiversity in areas it colonizes.
Therefore, its tendency to reduce biodiversity is the primary ecological reason it is often mentioned in news, usually in a negative context regarding environmental management and conservation efforts.
While Prosopis juliflora does have uses (fuelwood, pods for fodder, wood for charcoal), its negative ecological impacts as an invasive species often outweigh its benefits, particularly in fragile ecosystems like grasslands and arid/semi-arid areas. Control and eradication efforts are ongoing in many affected regions.

119. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

[amp_mcq option1=”The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg” option2=”The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro” option3=”The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris” option4=”The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) was launched in 2013 as a direct outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The Rio+20 conference highlighted the importance of the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and called for initiatives to support countries in transitioning to greener economies. PAGE was created in response to this call.
PAGE is a collaboration among five UN agencies: UN Environment Programme (UNEP), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It supports countries in developing and implementing green economy policies and strategies to achieve sustainable development goals.

120. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statement

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :

  • A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
  • Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
  • Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) 3 only.
Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. **A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity:** This statement is incorrect. Organic matter is like a sponge; it significantly *increases* the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. Soils with high organic matter content hold much more water than soils with low organic matter.
2. **Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle:** This statement is incorrect. Soil plays a vital role in the sulphur cycle. It is a major reservoir for sulphur, primarily in organic form. Microorganisms in the soil are essential for the transformation of sulphur compounds (e.g., decomposition of organic matter releasing sulphate, oxidation and reduction reactions of sulphur compounds). Plant uptake of sulphate from the soil is also a key part of the cycle.
3. **Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands:** This statement is correct. Irrigation water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, contains dissolved salts. When water is applied to fields, plants use some water, and much of it evaporates from the soil surface. The dissolved salts, however, are left behind. Without adequate drainage, these salts accumulate in the topsoil over time, leading to salinization, which reduces soil fertility and plant growth.
Soil health is critical for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem function. Organic matter content not only improves water holding capacity but also enhances soil structure, aeration, nutrient availability, and supports beneficial microbial activity. Salinization is a major land degradation issue globally, often exacerbated by unsustainable irrigation practices and poor drainage.
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