Environment and Ecology Archives

131. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agr

Which of the following practices can help in water conservation 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 given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3. All three listed practices contribute to water conservation in agriculture.

– Reduced or zero tillage: Minimizes soil disturbance, which helps to retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and prevent soil erosion.
– Applying gypsum before irrigating the field: Gypsum improves soil structure, especially in problematic soils (like saline or alkaline), leading to better water infiltration and drainage, and reduced surface runoff and waterlogging, thereby making water use more efficient.
– Allowing crop residue to remain in the field: Crop residue acts as mulch, covering the soil surface. This reduces evaporation, helps moderate soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and improves soil organic matter over time, all of which enhance the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water.

These practices are components of sustainable agriculture and conservation farming, aiming to improve soil health, reduce input costs (like water and energy for irrigation), and enhance environmental sustainability while maintaining or improving yields. They are particularly relevant in regions facing water scarcity.

132. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the

If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bhitarkanika Mangroves” option2=”Chambal River” option3=”Pulicat Lake” option4=”Deepor Beel” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2017

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The Chambal River is the best place to visit to see gharials in their natural habitat.

– Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles found in freshwater river systems in northern India.
– The National Chambal Sanctuary, which spans parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh along the Chambal River, holds the largest and most stable population of gharials in their natural habitat. Significant conservation efforts have been focused here.
– Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha are famous for saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), not gharials.
– Pulicat Lake, located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is a large brackish water lagoon, known for migratory birds and is not a habitat for gharials.
– Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake and a wetland in Assam, primarily known for its avian fauna and aquatic life, but not gharials.

While small, scattered populations of gharials exist in other rivers like Girwa, Gandak, and Mahanadi (Satkosia gorge), the Chambal River remains the stronghold and the most reliable location to observe gharials in the wild.

133. Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition

Consider the following statements:
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
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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UPSC IAS – 2017

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Statement 2 is correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

– Statement 1 is incorrect. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a voluntary partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions, and civil society. It was launched in 2012 by Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, the United States and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is not an initiative of the G20 group of countries.
– Statement 2 is correct. The CCAC focuses on reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), which have a strong impact on both climate and air quality. The main SLCPs targeted by the coalition are methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Reducing these pollutants can have rapid climate and health benefits.

SLCPs like black carbon and tropospheric ozone contribute significantly to warming, while methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. HFCs are used as refrigerants and propellants and are also potent greenhouse gases. Reducing these pollutants is seen as a way to achieve near-term climate benefits and improve air quality, complementing efforts to reduce long-lived greenhouse gases like CO2.

134. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

[amp_mcq option1=”Measuring oxygen levels in blood” option2=”Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems” option3=”Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems” option4=”Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is C) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure used to indicate the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms in a water sample while they decompose organic matter under aerobic conditions. It is a standard test for assessing the level of organic pollution in water bodies.

High BOD values indicate that there is a large amount of biodegradable organic material in the water, which consumes a significant amount of dissolved oxygen as it decomposes. This depletion of oxygen can harm aquatic life. Therefore, BOD is a crucial parameter in evaluating the quality of water and the extent of pollution in rivers, lakes, and other aquatic ecosystems. Options A, B, and D relate to oxygen levels in blood, forests, or high altitudes, which are not measured by BOD.

135. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the follo

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 to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

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

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UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only.

The Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) was launched by the European Union. Its primary objective is to provide technical and financial support to developing countries to help them integrate climate change considerations into their development policies and budgets.

The GCCA was established by the European Commission in 2007 to enhance dialogue and cooperation on climate change between the European Union and developing countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Statement 3 is incorrect; the GCCA is managed and funded primarily by the European Union and its Member States, not coordinated by WRI and WBCSD.

136. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the followi

According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law ?

Gharial
Indian wild ass
Wild buffalo

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=”option4″]

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UPSC IAS – 2017

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All three animals (Gharial, Indian wild ass, and Wild buffalo) cannot be hunted except under some provisions provided by law.

– The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibits the hunting of animals listed in Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II.
– Hunting of animals in Schedule I is completely prohibited unless it falls under very specific exceptions defined in Section 11 (like animals dangerous to human life or property, or disabled/diseased beyond recovery), which require permission from the Chief Wild Life Warden.
– Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is listed in Schedule I.
– Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) is listed in Schedule I.
– Wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is listed in Schedule I.

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides absolute protection to listed species and offenses under this schedule attract the highest penalties.

137. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthr

In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites 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 given below

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Geological sequestration involves injecting CO2 into deep underground geological formations. All three mentioned sites are considered potential locations for this process.
Statement 1 is correct. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams have pore spaces within the coal matrix where CO2 can be stored. Injecting CO2 can displace adsorbed methane, potentially offering enhanced coal bed methane recovery while sequestering CO2.
Statement 2 is correct. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs are geological formations that previously held hydrocarbons for millions of years, indicating they are well-sealed and suitable for trapping fluids. They are prime candidates for CO2 injection for storage, often combined with Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) or Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) techniques.
Statement 3 is correct. Subterranean deep saline formations are porous rock layers saturated with highly saline water. These formations are vast and globally abundant, offering the largest potential storage capacity for CO2 compared to coal seams or depleted reservoirs. The CO2 dissolves in the saline water or is trapped in pore spaces.

– Geological carbon sequestration involves injecting CO2 into suitable underground rock formations.
– Abandoned coal seams, depleted oil/gas reservoirs, and deep saline formations are recognized potential sites.

Other potential sites for carbon sequestration include basalt formations and organic-rich shales. Alongside geological sequestration, other methods include terrestrial sequestration (forests, soils) and ocean sequestration (less explored/favoured due to environmental concerns). Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are being developed and deployed globally as a means to mitigate climate change.

138. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the li

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 is completed.
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 given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible not only in seas (using marine algae) but also on land (on continents) using freshwater or brackish water in open ponds or closed photobioreactors. Location depends on the type of algae and the cultivation method.
Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering an algae-based biofuel production facility requires significant scientific and technological expertise, especially in areas like strain selection, cultivation optimization, harvesting, and lipid extraction/conversion. Developing countries might face limitations in accessing or developing this high level of specialized knowledge and technology.
Statement 3 is correct. To make algae biofuel production economically competitive with fossil fuels, large-scale facilities are generally required to achieve economies of scale. Setting up such large-scale facilities necessitates significant land and water resources and can potentially raise ecological concerns (e.g., water usage, potential impact on local ecosystems, energy input) and social concerns (e.g., land use conflict, resource competition with food production).

– Algae cultivation is possible on land as well as in the sea.
– Algae biofuel production is technologically complex and requires specialized expertise.
– Economic viability often demands large scale, which can have significant resource implications and raise environmental/social concerns.

Algae-based biofuels are considered a promising renewable energy source due to algae’s high growth rates and ability to grow on non-arable land using non-potable water sources or wastewater. However, current production costs remain high compared to fossil fuels, and scaling up production faces technical, economic, and sustainability challenges.

139. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of spec

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 :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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Statement 1 is correct. Butterflies are important pollinators for many flowering plants. A significant decline in their population would directly reduce the pollination services they provide, adversely affecting the reproduction of plants that rely on them.
Statement 2 is incorrect. A fall in the butterfly population is unlikely to cause a drastic increase in fungal infections of cultivated plants. Fungal infections are typically influenced by factors like weather conditions, soil health, plant susceptibility, and the presence of fungal spores, not directly by butterfly populations. While butterfly larvae are herbivores, their impact on plant health is different from fungal pathogens.
Statement 3 is correct. Butterflies, in their various life stages (egg, larva/caterpillar, pupa, adult), serve as a food source for a variety of predators, including insects like wasps and spiders, and numerous bird species. A substantial decrease in the butterfly population would reduce the food availability for these predators, potentially leading to a decline in their populations due to starvation or reduced reproductive success.

– Butterflies act as pollinators and are part of the food chain.
– Changes in prey population can impact predator populations.

Butterflies are often considered indicators of ecosystem health. Their decline can signal broader environmental issues such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conserving butterfly populations is important for biodiversity and ecosystem services like pollination.

140. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantag

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

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=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is C, stating that statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Bioremediation is a waste management technique that uses organisms, primarily microorganisms, to neutralize pollutants in a contaminated site by degrading them into less toxic or non-toxic substances. Genetic engineering can enhance the capabilities of these microorganisms for specific bioremediation tasks.

Statement 1 accurately describes bioremediation as enhancing natural biodegradation processes to clean up pollution. Statement 3 is correct; genetic engineering can be employed to develop microorganisms with improved pollutant degradation efficiency or resistance to toxic environments, specifically designed for bioremediation applications (e.g., genetically engineered bacteria). Statement 2 is incorrect. While bioremediation is effective for many organic contaminants, heavy metals like cadmium and lead are elemental and cannot be degraded by microorganisms. Bioremediation techniques might be used to immobilize or transform them into less mobile forms (e.g., through biosorption or bioprecipitation), but they are not ‘readily and completely treated’ by degradation.