Environment and Ecology

121. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand

Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ?
Consider the following statements:

  • Decreased salinity in the river
  • Pollution of groundwater
  • Lowering of the water-table

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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The correct answer is B) 2 and 3 only.
Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. **Decreased salinity in the river:** Heavy sand mining typically impacts the physical structure of the riverbed and flow dynamics, and potentially groundwater interaction. It does not directly cause a decrease in salinity in the river water itself. In coastal areas, it might affect the balance between freshwater and saltwater, potentially leading to increased saltwater intrusion rather than decreased salinity in river areas influenced by tides. This statement is incorrect.
2. **Pollution of groundwater:** Sand and gravel in a riverbed act as a natural filter, helping to purify water as it infiltrates into the groundwater system. Heavy sand mining removes this protective layer, making the groundwater aquifer more vulnerable to contamination from surface pollutants (like agricultural runoff, industrial waste, sewage). This statement is correct.
3. **Lowering of the water-table:** Riverbeds are often hydraulically connected to the surrounding groundwater table. Removing large quantities of sand from the riverbed lowers the base level of the river and disrupts this connection. This can lead to a corresponding drop in the groundwater table in adjacent areas, affecting wells and vegetation that rely on shallow groundwater. This statement is correct.
Besides pollution of groundwater and lowering of the water table, heavy sand mining can also cause erosion of riverbanks, destabilize bridges and other infrastructure, degrade riparian habitat, and alter river morphology, impacting aquatic life. It can also lead to a coarsening of the riverbed sediment downstream.

122. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fe

Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?

[amp_mcq option1=”Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” option2=”Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” option3=”Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” option4=”Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” correct=”option1″]

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“Carbon fertilization” is an ecological term describing a specific effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a key input for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Increased levels of atmospheric CO2 can stimulate photosynthesis, leading to increased plant growth, especially in plants using the C3 photosynthetic pathway. This effect is known as carbon fertilization.
While increased CO2 contributes to global warming (B) and ocean acidification (C), these are distinct phenomena from carbon fertilization. Carbon fertilization is about the direct impact of elevated CO2 on plant physiology and growth. The adaptation of living beings to climate change (D) is a broad concept and not the definition of carbon fertilization.

123. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned i

The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

[amp_mcq option1=”Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.” option2=”Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.” option3=”Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.” option4=”Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.” correct=”option4″]

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The term “sixth mass extinction” refers to the current ongoing extinction event, also known as the Holocene extinction.
This extinction event is characterized by an exceptionally high rate of species extinction, significantly above the historical background extinction rate. Unlike previous mass extinctions caused by natural phenomena (like asteroid impacts or volcanic activity), the current one is primarily driven by human activities.
The main drivers of the sixth mass extinction include habitat destruction and fragmentation, over-exploitation of resources (like hunting and fishing), pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change caused by human activities. Option D accurately encapsulates these primary causes. Options A and C describe specific aspects of human impact on ecosystems and biodiversity, but are not as comprehensive as D in defining the overall context of the sixth mass extinction. Option B describes a past extinction event.

124. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of ‘Conservation Agriculture’ assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ?

  • 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
  • 2. Adopting minimum tillage
  • 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
  • 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
  • 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 3 and 4″ option2=”2, 3, 4 and 5″ option3=”2, 4 and 5″ option4=”1, 2, 3 and 5″ correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) 2, 4 and 5.
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is based on three key principles aimed at sustainable farming: minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and species diversity.
Let’s evaluate the statements based on CA principles:
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices: This aligns with the principle of species diversification (e.g., crop rotation, intercropping). This is a practice under CA.
2. Adopting minimum tillage: This is one of the three core principles of CA, reducing soil disturbance. This is a practice under CA.
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops: CA principles are applicable to various cropping systems, including some plantation crops. Avoiding all plantation crops is not a requirement of CA. This statement is incorrect.
4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface: This is the principle of permanent soil cover (mulching), protecting the soil. This is a practice under CA.
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations: Crop rotation is a primary method for achieving species diversity, a core principle of CA. This is a practice under CA.
Statements 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all relevant practices within Conservation Agriculture. However, examining the options, Option C (2, 4, and 5) includes minimum tillage, soil cover (residues), and crop rotation. While statement 1 (avoiding monoculture) is also correct and related to diversity (like 5), options might prioritize concrete practices over broader principles or goals. Option C lists the three main *practices* that directly embody the core principles: reduced tillage (2), soil cover (4), and diversity via rotation (5). Option 1 (avoiding monoculture) is more of a consequence or goal achieved through practices like rotation. Given the options, C is the best fit comprising key CA practices.

125. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (

With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015.
  • 2. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.
  • 3. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Statement 2 is correct. The Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA) is a voluntary alliance of diverse stakeholders. Membership does not involve any binding obligations on the part of its members. Its purpose is to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices.
Statement 1 is incorrect. GACSA was launched at the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014, not at the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015 (COP21). Statement 3 is incorrect. While India is a member and participant in GACSA, it was not instrumental in its creation; the initiative was primarily led by organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN.
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach that helps guide actions to transform agri-food systems towards green and climate resilient practices. CSA aims to achieve a triple win: sustainably increasing productivity and incomes, adapting and building resilience to climate change, and reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions.

126. Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recen

Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities ?

  • 1. Aral Sea
  • 2. Black Sea
  • 3. Lake Baikal

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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The correct option is A because only the Aral Sea has shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past primarily due to human activities.
The Aral Sea is a well-documented case of an ecological disaster caused by the large-scale diversion of its feeder rivers for irrigation projects, leading to its dramatic shrinkage and salinization.
The Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, began shrinking in the 1960s due to the diversion of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. The Black Sea faces environmental issues like pollution but has not shrunk or dried up. Lake Baikal in Russia, the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume, faces pollution threats but has not shrunk; it remains immense. Therefore, only the Aral Sea fits the description of significant human-induced shrinkage.

127. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Po

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

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Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and its powers and functions were further expanded under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Both bodies are established by Acts of Parliament, not executive orders.
Statement 2 is correct. The NGT is a specialized judicial body established to handle environmental cases, thus providing environmental justice and helping to reduce the burden of environmental litigation in higher courts. The CPCB is a regulatory authority primarily tasked with promoting cleanliness of streams and wells, improving air quality, conducting environmental monitoring, and enforcing pollution control standards. Their functions are distinct.
– NGT is a statutory body established by the NGT Act, 2010.
– CPCB is a statutory body established under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981.
– NGT has judicial functions related to environmental disputes.
– CPCB has regulatory and executive functions related to pollution control.
NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment and acts as a fast-track court for environmental matters. CPCB advises the central government on pollution prevention and control and coordinates activities of State Pollution Control Boards.

128. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from th

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

[amp_mcq option1=”Corbett National Park” option2=”Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary” option3=”Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary” option4=”Sariska National Park” correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B.
For many years, there has been a proposal and considerable discussion, including legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, regarding the translocation of some Gir lions from their sole habitat in Gujarat to a second, alternative site to establish a separate population. This is primarily a conservation strategy to mitigate risks from epidemics, natural disasters, or genetic issues affecting a single population. The site identified and widely debated for this translocation is Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
The translocation plan has faced delays due to various reasons, including resistance from the state of Gujarat and legal challenges. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary was specifically developed with infrastructure for receiving lions, even before the Supreme Court mandated the translocation in 2013. While the translocation of lions from Gujarat to Kuno is still pending for conservation reasons, Kuno Palpur has recently received African Cheetahs as part of a separate reintroduction project.

129. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedul

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.” option2=”It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.” option3=”It is endemic to a particular region of India.” option4=”Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for the protection of India’s wildlife. Schedule I lists species that are granted absolute protection and prohibits hunting them. The penalties for offenses related to these species are the highest. The tiger is also listed under Schedule I. Therefore, a species of tortoise declared protected under Schedule I enjoys the same level of absolute protection as the tiger.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has six schedules. Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection, Schedule III and Schedule IV provide protection with less severe penalties, Schedule V lists vermin (animals that can be hunted), and Schedule VI lists prohibited plants. Listing under Schedule I signifies the highest conservation priority and legal protection.

130. The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

[amp_mcq option1=”Captive breeding of Wild Fauna” option2=”Maintenance of Tiger Reserves” option3=”Indigenous Satellite Navigation System” option4=”Security of National Highways” correct=”option2″]

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The term ‘M-STRIPES’ stands for Monitoring System For Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
It is a software-based monitoring system implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in India to strengthen patrolling and surveillance in tiger reserves.
M-STRIPES utilizes GPS, camera traps, and field data collected by forest staff to provide real-time information on tiger sightings, signs, and threats, helping in effective management and anti-poaching efforts within tiger habitats.
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