Environment and Ecology

201. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

[amp_mcq option1=”desert margins, liable to strong wind action” option2=”low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding” option3=”scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth” option4=”None of the above” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct answer is D) None of the above.
Contour bunding is a soil conservation practice applied on gently sloping land. It involves constructing narrow-based bunds (embankments) along the contour lines. The purpose is to intercept and slow down water runoff, reduce soil erosion, and promote infiltration of water into the soil. This method is particularly effective in semi-arid areas for moisture conservation. The conditions described in options A, B, and C do not match the primary application of contour bunding. Option A describes desert margins prone to wind erosion. Option B describes low flat plains prone to flooding, where different flood control measures are used. Option C describes scrublands and weed growth, not directly addressed by contour bunding.
Contour bunding is typically implemented on agricultural fields, pastures, or other land with slopes ranging from around 2% to 10-15%. It is a key technique in watershed management and dryland farming to improve water retention and prevent loss of fertile topsoil due to water erosion.

202. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in th

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

[amp_mcq option1=”Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves” option2=”Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes” option3=”Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans” option4=”Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans.
Primary productivity refers to the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic organisms into organic substances. Among the given options, mangrove ecosystems, being highly productive coastal environments rich in nutrients and sunlight, generally exhibit the highest net primary productivity. Grasslands have moderate productivity, varying significantly based on rainfall and soil fertility. Lakes vary widely from oligotrophic (low productivity) to eutrophic (high productivity), but generally have lower average productivity than highly productive terrestrial or coastal systems. Open oceans, especially the vast pelagic zones, are often nutrient-limited and have relatively low average productivity, although coastal upwelling zones can be highly productive.
The generalized order of decreasing productivity among major ecosystems is often cited as: Tropical rainforests, Swamps and Marshes (including Mangroves), Estuaries > Temperate forests, Cultivated land > Grasslands, Lakes and Streams > Tundra, Open Ocean > Deserts. Comparing the specific options given, mangroves are known for very high productivity, followed by grasslands (moderate), then lakes (variable but often moderate to low), and finally open oceans (generally low). Thus, the sequence of decreasing productivity is typically Mangroves > Grasslands > Lakes > Oceans.

203. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ec

In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of

[amp_mcq option1=”insects and fungi” option2=”limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients” option3=”water limits and fire” option4=”None of the above” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) water limits and fire.
In many grassland ecosystems, the primary environmental factors that prevent the establishment and growth of trees, thus maintaining the dominance of grasses in ecological succession, are limited water availability (seasonal droughts, low rainfall) and frequent fires (natural or human-caused). Grasses are well-adapted to these conditions, with deep root systems that survive drought and ability to quickly regrow after fire, whereas young trees are often killed by lack of water or fire.
Ecological succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time. In a typical succession sequence in a region capable of supporting forests, grassland might be a transitional stage before shrubland and then forest. However, specific environmental regimes like drought and fire can create “climax communities” like grasslands where forest does not develop. While other factors like grazing can also influence grasslands, water limits and fire are fundamental abiotic factors that often define this biome.

204. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry,

With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
  • 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic fertilizers.
  • 3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

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UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct option is C, as statements 1 and 3 are correct regarding the uses of sugar industry by-products.
– Statement 1 is correct. Bagasse, the fibrous residue left after crushing sugarcane, is widely used as a biomass fuel to generate steam and electricity in sugar mills. Excess bagasse can also be used for paper production or other industrial purposes.
– Statement 2 is incorrect. Molasses is a viscous by-product obtained from refining sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. It is primarily used in animal feed, for the production of ethanol, rum, yeast, citric acid, and other fermentation products. It is not a common or significant feedstock for the production of synthetic fertilizers, which are typically produced from natural gas (for nitrogen fertilizers like urea), rock phosphate (for phosphorus fertilizers), and potassium salts (for potassium fertilizers).
– Statement 3 is correct. Molasses is a readily fermentable sugar source and is a major feedstock for the production of ethanol, which can be used as a biofuel.
The sugar industry generates significant amounts of by-products which, when utilized efficiently, can contribute to the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the industry. Bagasse and Molasses are the two main by-products.

205. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking wate

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

  • 1. Arsenic
  • 2. Sorbitol
  • 3. Fluoride
  • 4. Formaldehyde
  • 5. Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

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Arsenic, Fluoride, and Uranium are well-documented as pollutants found in drinking water sources in various parts of India, often occurring naturally at harmful concentrations.
1. Arsenic: Widespread arsenic contamination of groundwater is a major public health issue in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Assam.
2. Fluoride: Excess fluoride in groundwater is prevalent in many states, leading to fluorosis (dental and skeletal) in affected populations.
3. Uranium: Elevated levels of naturally occurring uranium in groundwater have been detected in multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, posing radiological and chemical risks.
Sorbitol (2) is a sugar alcohol generally not considered a primary widespread pollutant in this context. Formaldehyde (4) is a chemical that can contaminate water, but it’s less commonly cited as a widespread contaminant across *parts of India* due to natural or broad anthropogenic causes compared to arsenic, fluoride, and uranium, which are often geogenic (naturally occurring in rocks and soil).

206. Consider the following : 1. Star tortoise 2. Monitor lizard 3. Pyg

Consider the following :

  • 1. Star tortoise
  • 2. Monitor lizard
  • 3. Pygmy hog
  • 4. Spider monkey

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

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

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The Indian Star Tortoise, various species of Monitor Lizards, and the Pygmy Hog are naturally found in India. Spider Monkeys are native to the Americas and are not found in the wild in India.
1. The Indian Star Tortoise (*Geochelone elegans*) is native to dry areas of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
2. Several species of Monitor Lizards (*Varanus* spp.) inhabit India, such as the Bengal Monitor, Yellow Monitor, and Desert Monitor.
3. The Pygmy Hog (*Porcula salvania*) is endemic to the grasslands of the southern foothills of the Himalayas, currently found only in Assam, India.
4. Spider Monkeys belong to the genus *Ateles* and are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Identifying species naturally found in a region requires knowledge of biogeography. While some non-native species might be present in zoos or as escaped pets, the question asks which are *naturally* found in India, referring to their native range.

207. Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nat

Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is NOT correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The ‘Global Stocktake’ is the central outcome of COP28″ option2=”It recognized the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C” option3=”It directed the developing countries to lead the transition away from fossil fuel” option4=”It emphasized accelerated phase-down of coal-power” correct=”option3″]

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Statement C is NOT correct. The COP28 outcome document, known as the UAE Consensus, calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels,” but it does not direct developing countries to *lead* this transition. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR–RC) under the UNFCCC means that developed countries, which have historically contributed more to emissions, are expected to take the lead and provide support to developing countries.
Statements A, B, and D are correct descriptions of the outcomes or emphases of COP28.
A) The ‘Global Stocktake’, the first comprehensive assessment of progress towards the Paris Agreement goals, was a central outcome of COP28.
B) The conference reaffirmed the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
D) The agreement emphasized accelerated efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power.
The UAE Consensus was notable as it was the first COP decision to explicitly mention “transitioning away from fossil fuels.” It also included goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

208. Which of the following statements about CBAM (Carbon Border Adjust-men

Which of the following statements about CBAM (Carbon Border Adjust-ment Mechanisms) is/are correct ?

  • 1. These are an emerging set of trade tools to allow movement of carbon-intensive economic activity from a jurisdiction having less stringent climate policy to a jurisdiction having stringent climate policy.
  • 2. These are meant to increase the environmental effectiveness of climate policies

Select the 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″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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Statement 1 is incorrect because CBAM is designed to *prevent* carbon leakage (movement of production to countries with less stringent climate policies) by imposing a price on the carbon content of imports. Statement 2 is correct; by pricing carbon on imports, CBAM incentivizes other countries to increase their climate ambition, thereby making climate policies more effective globally.
CBAM is a policy tool primarily developed by the European Union to tackle carbon leakage and encourage trading partners to raise their climate ambitions in line with the EU’s own climate goals.
CBAM works by requiring importers to purchase certificates corresponding to the carbon price that would have been paid had the goods been produced under the EU’s carbon pricing rules. The mechanism initially applies to carbon-intensive goods like iron, steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. It entered into force in October 2023 with a transitional period.

209. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I
(Climate Conference)		 List II
(Country)
A. COP-26 1. Egypt
B. COP-27 2. Azerbaijan
C. COP-28 3. United Kingdom
D. COP-29 4. UAE

Code :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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The correct option is D (3 1 4 2).
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The COPs are numbered sequentially and hosted by different countries.
A. COP-26 was held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2021. This matches with List II – 3.
B. COP-27 was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. This matches with List II – 1.
C. COP-28 was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2023. This matches with List II – 4.
D. COP-29 is scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2024. This matches with List II – 2.
The matching is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2. Looking at the code options:
A) 3 4 1 2 (A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2) – Incorrect.
B) 2 1 4 3 (A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3) – Incorrect.
C) 2 4 1 3 (A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3) – Incorrect.
D) 3 1 4 2 (A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2) – Correct.

210. With reference to ‘Black Tigers’, which of the following statements is

With reference to ‘Black Tigers’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. They are also referred to as Melanistic Tigers
  • 2. In India they are found only in Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha

Select the 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″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Tigers with pseudomelanism, where stripes are unusually thick and close, are commonly referred to as ‘Black Tigers’. This is a rare genetic mutation. While sightings or reports might have occurred elsewhere historically or anecdotally, Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha is the only known place in India with an established, documented population of tigers exhibiting this pseudomelanism, linked to a specific genetic marker.
The pseudomelanism mutation is caused by a single gene mutation. Research in Similipal has identified the genetic basis for the stripes and the higher frequency of this mutation in that population due to potential inbreeding.
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