Environment and Ecology

181. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed

With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following statements :

  • 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
  • 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.

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=”option4″]

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The question asks about the correct statements regarding coalbed methane (CBM) and shale gas.
1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks: CBM is primarily methane stored within coal seams. Shale gas is natural gas (which is primarily methane) trapped within fine-grained sedimentary rocks like shale. Shale gas is not a mixture of propane and butane only; propane and butane are components of natural gas liquids (NGLs) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can sometimes be found alongside methane, but the primary component of shale gas is methane. This statement is incorrect.
2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found: India has significant CBM reserves and has commercial production of CBM. India also has estimated shale gas reserves in various basins (e.g., Cambay, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery basins), and exploratory drilling has confirmed the presence of shale gas. While commercial production is not as developed as CBM, sources have indeed been found. This statement is incorrect.
– Both coalbed methane and shale gas are primarily composed of methane (natural gas).
– Shale gas is found in shale formations, not just a mixture of propane and butane.
– India has identified sources of both coalbed methane and shale gas.
Coalbed methane and shale gas are considered unconventional natural gas sources. Extraction techniques like hydraulic fracturing (fracking) are often used for shale gas and sometimes for CBM, though CBM extraction can also involve dewatering. These sources have gained importance globally as potential energy sources, but their extraction methods also raise environmental concerns.

182. Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is he

Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bhutia and Lepcha” option2=”Gond and Korku” option3=”Irula and Toda” option4=”Sahariya and Agariya” correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B, identifying Gond and Korku tribes as associated with a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival involving planting fruit-bearing trees.
Certain indigenous communities in India have deep-rooted traditions linked to ecology and agriculture. The Gond and Korku tribes, predominantly in Central India, have festivals such as ‘Hari Jyoti’ (Green Light) or ‘Hariali’ celebrated during the monsoon season which involve tree plantation, particularly focusing on fruit-bearing and useful trees, reflecting their close connection with the environment and agricultural cycles. This practice aligns with the description of a month-long, ecologically important festival centered around planting saplings of fruit-bearing trees.
Other options represent tribes from different regions (Bhutia and Lepcha from Sikkim; Irula and Toda from Tamil Nadu; Sahariya from Rajasthan/Madhya Pradesh, Agariya from Central India) with their own distinct cultural and ecological practices, but the description specifically fits the known traditions of the Gond and Korku tribes related to tree plantation festivals during the planting season.

183. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

  • 1. Oxides of sulphur
  • 2. Oxides of nitrogen
  • 3. Carbon monoxide
  • 4. Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Steel industry processes are significant sources of various air pollutants, including oxides of sulphur, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Oxides of sulphur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) are produced during the combustion of fuels and from raw materials containing sulphur and nitrogen. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced from the combustion of carbon-based fuels (like coal or coke) and also from chemical reactions involved in steel production (e.g., reduction of iron oxides). All four listed pollutants are associated with steel manufacturing.
Steel plants also release particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. Controlling these emissions is a major environmental challenge for the industry.

184. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of th

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

  • 1. Oak
  • 2. Rhododendron
  • 3. Sandalwood

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=”option1″]

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Oak and Rhododendron species are commonly found naturally growing in the Himalayan region.
The Himalayas are home to diverse vegetation types, including temperate forests where various species of Oak (Quercus) thrive, especially at lower to mid-altitudes. Rhododendron species are particularly characteristic of the Himalayan alpine and subalpine zones, known for their vibrant blooms and widespread presence across different altitudes and forest types.
Sandalwood (Santalum album), famous for its fragrant wood and oil, is predominantly found in South India, especially in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is not native to the Himalayas.

185. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

  • 1. Volcanic action
  • 2. Respiration
  • 3. Photosynthesis
  • 4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Volcanic action, respiration, and decay of organic matter all release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus adding to the carbon cycle.
Volcanic eruptions release gases, including CO2, from the Earth’s interior. Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert organic matter into energy, releasing CO2 as a byproduct. Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing CO2 through respiration and decomposition processes. Photosynthesis, however, is the process by which plants and other organisms use sunlight, water, and CO2 to create energy-rich organic molecules, thus *removing* CO2 from the atmosphere.
The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to concerns about climate change.

186. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like m

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

  • 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
  • 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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The concern about brominated flame retardants (BFRs) stems from their environmental persistence and their ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms, including humans and animals.
Brominated flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or candidates for this classification. POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or the environment.
Some BFRs, such as certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been phased out or restricted in many countries due to concerns about their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. Exposure to BFRs has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including effects on the endocrine system, neurological development, and reproductive health.

187. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

  • 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
  • 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
  • 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
  • 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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The correct answer is C.
Apart from poaching, several human-induced factors contribute to the decline of Ganges River Dolphins. Construction of dams and barrages (1) fragments their habitat, isolates populations, and reduces water flow and prey availability. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally (bycatch) (3) is a major cause of mortality. Pollution from agricultural runoff containing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (4), as well as industrial and municipal waste, degrades water quality and affects dolphin health and their food chain. An increase in the population of crocodiles (2) is not considered a primary driver for the overall decline of the dolphin population, although predation might occur. Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 represent significant reasons for the decline.
The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered species and is India’s National Aquatic Animal. Conservation efforts focus on reducing these threats and protecting their habitat.

188. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands Interna

With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
  • 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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The correct answer is B.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Wetlands International is an international non-governmental organization (INGO), not an intergovernmental organization formed by Ramsar signatories. While it is a crucial partner of the Ramsar Convention and works closely with governments and other stakeholders, it is not constituted by countries. Statement 2 is correct. Wetlands International works globally and locally through offices and partners, engaging in research, monitoring, conservation projects, capacity building, and advocacy to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands.
Wetlands International was founded in 1937 as the International Wildfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau. Its mission is to conserve and restore wetlands for their biodiversity and human livelihoods.

189. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider th

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements :

  • 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
  • 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
  • 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A.
Statement 1 correctly distinguishes between Photovoltaics (PV) and Solar Thermal technologies. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect, whereas Solar Thermal technology concentrates sunlight to heat a fluid, which is then used to generate steam to drive a turbine connected to a generator, thereby producing electricity indirectly. Statement 2 is incorrect; Photovoltaic cells inherently produce Direct Current (DC), which is then converted to Alternating Current (AC) by an inverter if needed for grid connection or AC appliances. Solar Thermal power plants typically use conventional generators which produce Alternating Current (AC). Statement 3 is incorrect; India has a significant manufacturing base for both Photovoltaic modules/cells and various components used in Solar Thermal power plants.
Photovoltaics are commonly used in rooftop solar panels and large solar farms. Solar Thermal systems are less common for small-scale applications but are used in utility-scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants.

190. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the followin

With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'” option2=”It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level” option3=”It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment” option4=”Both (a) and (b)” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as a financial mechanism for several key multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Statement A correctly identifies its role for the CBD and UNFCCC. Statement B is incorrect; while GEF funds projects that might involve scientific research, its primary role is financing environmental projects, not undertaking the research itself. Statement C is incorrect; the GEF is not an agency under the OECD; it is a partnership of 18 agencies, including UN bodies, multilateral development banks, and national agencies.
The GEF was established in 1992 on the eve of the Rio Earth Summit to help tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
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