Environment and Ecology

171. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical ele

There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

  • They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
  • They can enter the food chains.
  • They can trigger the production of free radicals.

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″]

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All three statements express valid concerns regarding the use and potential environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles. Their small size allows them to easily interact with biological systems and the environment in ways that larger particles do not.
Statement 1 is correct. Due to their extremely small size and high surface area, nanoparticles are highly mobile and can persist and accumulate in various environmental compartments like water and soil, leading to contamination.
Statement 2 is correct. Nanoparticles can be taken up by organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) from contaminated environments and can then transfer through trophic levels, entering the food chain.
Statement 3 is correct. Many types of nanoparticles, particularly metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been shown to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals in biological systems. This can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, inflammation, and potentially other adverse health effects.
Nanoparticles are increasingly used in various industrial products (cosmetics, paints, electronics, textiles, medicine, etc.). While nanotechnology offers significant benefits, the potential risks associated with the environmental fate, persistence, and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles are subjects of ongoing research and regulatory concern.

172. Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of Indi

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
  • 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body, and the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), at the time relevant to the question, was chaired by the Prime Minister. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is established under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 2 is correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body constituted under Section 38L(1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.
Statement 3 is correct. The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was indeed chaired by the Prime Minister of India. This authority was constituted in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. (Note: NGRBA was later replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council) in 2016, which is also chaired by the Prime Minister).
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is aimed at preventing the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella act for environmental protection and improvement.

173. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statem

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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UPSC IAS – 2014
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Let’s evaluate the statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. – This statement is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. – This statement is incorrect. The purpose of ESZs is to create a buffer zone around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to regulate and manage certain activities to minimize negative impacts on the protected area. It does *not* prohibit *all* human activities. Certain activities are prohibited (e.g., commercial mining, polluting industries), others are regulated (e.g., felling of trees, setting up of hotels/resorts), and some are permitted (e.g., ongoing agriculture/horticulture, rainwater harvesting). The phrase “prohibit all kinds of human activities… except agriculture” is an oversimplification and inaccurate description of the regulations within ESZs.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.
– ESZs are defined as areas within 10 kilometers around the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The extent can be more or less than 10 km depending on the specific area’s ecological sensitivity.
– The primary goal is conservation of biodiversity and reducing the impact of development activities in the immediate vicinity of protected areas.
– A Zonal Master Plan is prepared for each ESZ to regulate activities.
The classification of activities within ESZs into prohibited, regulated, and permitted categories allows for a balance between conservation needs and the livelihoods of local communities. The declaration of ESZs is a measure to prevent ecological degradation and maintain the ecological integrity of protected areas.

174. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ : 1. It is

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ :

  • 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
  • 2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
  • 3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Statements 2 and 3 about Earth Hour are correct. Earth Hour is indeed a movement where participants switch off lights for one hour on a specific day annually, and its purpose is to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Statement 1 is incorrect as Earth Hour is an initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), not UNEP and UNESCO.
– Earth Hour is a global environmental movement.
– It is organized by WWF and involves switching off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour.
– The goal is to encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to take action for the environment and demonstrate commitment to the planet.
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, involving millions of people in over 190 countries and territories.

175. Consider the following international agreements : 1. The Internation

Consider the following international agreements :

  • 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
  • 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
  • 3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

[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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All three international agreements listed have a direct bearing on biodiversity. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture focuses on conserving and sustainably using plant diversity crucial for food security. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification addresses land degradation, which is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The World Heritage Convention protects natural sites, including those recognized for their outstanding biodiversity.
– ITPGRFA aims to ensure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
– UNCCD works to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought, thus protecting habitats.
– The World Heritage Convention identifies and protects sites of universal value, including critical natural habitats and ecosystems.
Biodiversity is fundamental to ecosystem function and human well-being. International agreements play a crucial role in fostering global cooperation for conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity and its components.

176. What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Deve

What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?

  • 1. Prevention of soil runoff
  • 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
  • 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
  • 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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The Integrated Watershed Development Programme aims at holistic development of rainfed areas based on watershed approach. Its core objectives include soil and water conservation, promotion of vegetation cover, judicious use of water resources, and improving livelihoods through enhanced agricultural and allied activities.
Statement 1 is correct: Prevention of soil runoff is a primary objective achieved through techniques like contour bunding, terracing, and afforestation within the watershed.
Statement 3 is correct: Rainwater harvesting (e.g., check dams, farm ponds) and recharging the groundwater table (e.g., percolation tanks) are crucial components of watershed development to improve water availability.
Statement 4 is correct: Regeneration of natural vegetation (tree plantation, grassland development) is essential for soil conservation, improving water infiltration, and biodiversity enhancement within the watershed.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers is a massive infrastructure project under the National River Linking Project, which is distinct from the decentralized, area-based approach of watershed development.
– Watershed development focuses on managing land and water resources within a defined geographical area (watershed).
– Key goals include soil conservation, water harvesting, groundwater recharge, increasing vegetative cover, and improving agricultural productivity.
– It does not involve large-scale inter-basin transfer of water like river linking projects.
The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) was launched in India to address issues of land degradation and water scarcity, particularly in rainfed areas. It employs a participatory approach involving local communities in planning and implementation. It was subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16, specifically under the ‘Watershed Development’ component (PMKSY-WDC).

177. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

  • 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
  • 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
  • 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
  • 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in
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Based on scientific projections, a global temperature increase beyond 3°C above pre-industrial levels would likely lead to the terrestrial biosphere becoming a net carbon source and widespread coral mortality. Statements 3 and 4 are considered too extreme and unlikely to be certain outcomes at this temperature increase level according to current scientific understanding.
The question assesses understanding of the projected impacts of significant global warming based on climate science.
A 3°C warming scenario is associated with severe impacts. Terrestrial ecosystems (like forests and soils) can shift from absorbing CO2 to releasing it (net source) due to factors like increased respiration, droughts, and wildfires (Statement 1). Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to thermal stress; exceeding 1.5°C is critical, and a 3°C increase would cause near-total loss and widespread mortality (Statement 2). While climate change will impact wetlands and agriculture significantly, the complete and permanent disappearance of ALL global wetlands (Statement 3) and impossibility of cereal cultivation ANYWHERE (Statement 4) are considered overly pessimistic and not certain outcomes even at 3°C warming. Some adaptation, resilience, or regional variations are expected.

178. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity toget

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

[amp_mcq option1=”biosphere reserves” option2=”botanical gardens” option3=”national parks” option4=”wildlife sanctuaries” correct=”option1″]

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The establishment of biosphere reserves is considered the most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life.
The question asks about the conservation strategy that best integrates biodiversity conservation with the preservation of traditional human life.
Biosphere reserves are designed to reconcile conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable development, actively involving local communities and traditional lifestyles. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries prioritize strict conservation, often restricting human activities. Botanical gardens focus on ex-situ plant conservation.

179. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

  • 1. Terrace cultivation
  • 2. Deforestation
  • 3. Tropical climate

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The question asks which factors are associated with the problem of soil erosion in India.
1. Terrace cultivation: While terrace cultivation is a conservation practice used to reduce soil erosion on slopes, it is associated with *areas where* soil erosion is a problem (hilly and mountainous regions). If done improperly or not maintained, terraces can also fail and contribute to erosion. So, it is associated with the problem contextually and potentially operationally.
2. Deforestation: Removal of forest cover exposes the soil directly to the impact of rain and wind, significantly increasing the rate of soil erosion. Deforestation is a major cause of soil erosion in India, particularly in hilly and forest areas. This is strongly associated with the problem.
3. Tropical climate: Tropical climates often experience intense rainfall events (e.g., during monsoons). Heavy rainfall can cause significant splash erosion and surface runoff, leading to severe soil erosion, especially on unprotected land. The intensity of rainfall is a key factor in soil erosion processes. This is strongly associated with the problem.
Considering the options and the nature of soil erosion, deforestation and intense rainfall associated with tropical climate are direct causes/exacerbating factors. Terrace cultivation is a response practice in erosion-prone areas, and its presence indicates the existence of the problem. Therefore, all three can be considered associated with the problem of soil erosion in India in different ways.
– Deforestation is a major human-induced cause of soil erosion.
– Intense rainfall typical of tropical climates contributes significantly to soil erosion.
– Terrace cultivation is a farming practice used in hilly, erosion-prone areas, thus associated with the problem geographically.
Factors contributing to soil erosion include natural factors like rainfall intensity, wind, topography, and soil type, as well as human factors like deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices (including improper tilling, lack of cover crops, and sometimes improper terrace cultivation), and construction activities. In India, deforestation, agricultural practices on slopes, and the intense monsoon rainfall are major contributors to soil erosion.

180. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or

In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

[amp_mcq option1=”The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics” option2=”The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas” option3=”The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines” option4=”It is a source of high quality biodiesel” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The question asks about the recent significance of cluster bean (Guar) cultivation beyond traditional uses.
A) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics: While plant oils can sometimes be used in bioplastics, guar oil is not a prominent source for this purpose.
B) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas: This is the primary reason for the recent surge in demand and cultivation of guar. Guar gum, specifically its derivative hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), is a key component of the fracking fluid used in hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and natural gas from shale formations. It acts as a thickening agent, helping to carry proppants (like sand) into the fractures and then degrading to allow the flow of hydrocarbons. This statement is correct.
C) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines: While some plants have medicinal properties, guar is not widely known for anti-histamine properties of its leaf extract.
D) It is a source of high quality biodiesel: Guar seeds contain oil, but it is not typically considered a primary source for high-quality biodiesel compared to other oilseed crops.
– The increased significance of cluster bean (Guar) cultivation is primarily due to the demand for guar gum.
– Guar gum is extensively used in the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) industry for shale gas and oil extraction.
India is the world’s largest producer of cluster beans (Guar). The demand for guar gum is closely linked to the unconventional oil and gas industry, particularly in countries like the United States, where fracking is widely used. This has led to fluctuations in guar prices and cultivation area based on global energy markets.
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