Environment and Ecology

211. Which of the following statements regarding faunal resources of India

Which of the following statements regarding faunal resources of India is/are correct ?

  • High degree of endemism has been noticed in the biodiversity hotspots of India
  • Of the total biosphere reserves in India, the Sundarbans has the largest number of species and Nokrek has the smallest number of species

Select the answer using the codes given below:

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

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Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is likely incorrect or difficult to verify definitively.
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high levels of biodiversity and a large proportion of endemic species. India’s biodiversity hotspots (Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, etc.) are known for high endemism. Making definitive claims about the largest/smallest number of species across all biosphere reserves (Statement 2) is difficult without specific, comprehensive, and standardized surveys across all reserves, which vary greatly in size, habitat diversity, and species inventories. Statement 1 is a fundamental characteristic of biodiversity hotspots.
Endemism is the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, country or other defined zone, or habitat type. Biodiversity hotspots are crucial for conservation efforts due to their unique and threatened species.

212. In an ecosystem why is the number of trophic levels of a food chain us

In an ecosystem why is the number of trophic levels of a food chain usually limited ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Lower trophic level has lesser energy than the higher trophic level” option2=”Because of the loss of energy at each trophic level” option3=”Higher trophic level individual can control the lower ones more efficiently” option4=”Limited trophic level makes a food chain less vulnerable to parasites” correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B. The number of trophic levels in a food chain is usually limited because of the significant loss of energy at each trophic level.
– According to the 10% rule of energy transfer in ecosystems, only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next higher trophic level. The rest is lost as heat, used for metabolic processes, or not consumed.
– This drastic reduction in available energy at each successive level limits the biomass and population size that can be supported.
– After a few trophic levels, there is insufficient energy remaining to support a viable population of organisms at a higher level, thus limiting the food chain length.
Lower trophic levels (producers) contain the most energy (biomass). Energy flows unidirectionally up the food chain, becoming less available at each step. While other factors like biomass and population dynamics play a role, the fundamental limit is imposed by energy transfer efficiency.

213. Which one of the following statements correctly defines PM1 particles

Which one of the following statements correctly defines PM1 particles in air ?

[amp_mcq option1=”These are suspended particles of diameter more than 10 micron” option2=”These are the particles that are filtered by the nose during respiration” option3=”These are extreme fine particles of diameter less than 1 micron” option4=”These are coarse particles that penetrate directly through the lungs into the bloodstream” correct=”option3″]

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PM stands for Particulate Matter, which is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. The number designation (e.g., PM10, PM2.5, PM1) refers to the maximum diameter of the particles in micrometers (microns). PM1 particles are defined as extremely fine particles that have a diameter less than 1 micrometer. These are smaller than PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
PM classification is based on the aerodynamic diameter of airborne particulate matter. PM1 < 1 µm, PM2.5 < 2.5 µm, PM10 < 10 µm. Smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system.
PM1 particles are considered among the most harmful air pollutants because their small size allows them to be inhaled deeply into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. They are often associated with combustion processes (vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants) and can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

214. Which one of the following statements with regard to greenhouse effect

Which one of the following statements with regard to greenhouse effect is correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”It can take place inside a glass chamber where no radiation can pass into it or pass back through it” option2=”It can take place inside a glass chamber where long wavelength infrared radiation can pass through into it and short wavelength infrared radiation cannot pass back through it” option3=”It can take place inside a glass chamber where short wavelength infrared radiation can pass through and long wavelength infrared radiation cannot pass through it” option4=”It can take place inside a glass chamber where all infrared radiation can pass into it or pass back through it” correct=”option3″]

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The greenhouse effect in a simplified model, like a glass chamber (or the Earth’s atmosphere), works because the medium is transparent to incoming radiation but opaque or less transparent to outgoing radiation. The Sun emits radiation primarily in the visible and short-wavelength infrared range, which passes through glass. This radiation heats the interior surface. The heated surface then re-emits radiation in the longer wavelength infrared range. Glass (and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere) absorb or reflect this longer wavelength infrared radiation, trapping heat inside. Therefore, short wavelength radiation passes in, and long wavelength radiation cannot easily pass out.
The core principle of the greenhouse effect is the differential transparency of the trapping medium (glass or atmosphere) to incoming short-wavelength radiation and outgoing long-wavelength infrared radiation.
In the Earth’s atmosphere, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor play the role of the glass, being largely transparent to incoming solar radiation but absorbing and re-emitting outgoing infrared radiation, warming the planet. A glass greenhouse traps heat not only due to this radiative effect but also by preventing convective heat loss. However, the term “greenhouse effect” applied to the atmosphere primarily refers to the radiative trapping mechanism.

215. Consider the following statements about Ramsar Wetland sites in India

Consider the following statements about Ramsar Wetland sites in India :

  • 1. Gahirmatha is the habitat of Olive Ridley Turtles.
  • 2. Chilka lake is the habitat of Irrawaddy Dolphin as its flagship species.
  • 3. Nalsarovar Wetland is also the habitat of Indian Wild Ass (Khuri).
  • 4. Tso Moriri Wetland is the habitat and breeding ground of Black-necked Crane.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

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Statement 2 is correct: Chilika Lake in Odisha is a significant habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins, and they are considered a flagship species there. Statement 4 is correct: Tso Moriri Wetland in Ladakh is a known habitat and breeding ground for the endangered Black-necked Crane. Statement 1 is likely considered incorrect by the question setter, possibly because Gahirmatha is primarily a nesting beach for Olive Ridley turtles, part of the broader Bhitarkanika Ramsar site. While critical for their lifecycle, it might not be considered their ‘habitat’ in the sense of continuous residence, as they spend much of their lives in the ocean. However, it is a crucial habitat during nesting season. Given the options, and assuming 1 is considered incorrect, 2 and 4 must be correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat is primarily known for migratory birds. The Indian Wild Ass (Khuri) is mainly found in the Little Rann of Kutch, which is a separate area from Nalsarovar.
Ramsar sites in India are important wetlands providing habitat for various species. Gahirmatha (part of Bhitarkanika) is famous for Olive Ridley nesting, Chilika hosts Irrawaddy dolphins, Nalsarovar is a bird sanctuary, and Tso Moriri is a breeding site for Black-necked Cranes.
India has a large number of designated Ramsar Sites, reflecting the diversity of its wetland ecosystems. Each site has unique ecological characteristics and supports specific flora and fauna, often including endangered or vulnerable species.

216. ‘Basel Convention’, ‘Rotterdam Convention’ and ‘Stockholm Convention’

‘Basel Convention’, ‘Rotterdam Convention’ and ‘Stockholm Convention’ relate to which of the following ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Human Rights of Prisoners” option2=”Management of Pollutants” option3=”Conservation of Wetlands” option4=”Conservation of Rivers” correct=”option2″]

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The Basel Convention deals with the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The Rotterdam Convention is about the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
All three conventions are international environmental agreements focused on the management and control of various types of pollutants and hazardous substances to protect human health and the environment.
The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. The Rotterdam Convention was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004. The Stockholm Convention was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004. India is a party to all three conventions.

217. 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 (International Convention) | List-II (Theme)
—|—
A. Stockholm Convention | 1. Hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade
B. Minamata Convention | 2. Persistent organic pollutants
C. Basel Convention | 3. Binding instrument on mercury
D. Rotterdam Convention | 4. Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal

Code :

ABCD
(a)1432
(b)1342
(c)2431
(d)2341

[amp_mcq option1=”(a) 1, (b) 4, (c) 3, (d) 2″ option2=”(a) 1, (b) 3, (c) 4, (d) 2″ option3=”(a) 2, (b) 4, (c) 3, (d) 1″ option4=”(a) 2, (b) 3, (c) 4, (d) 1″ correct=”option4″]

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The correct match is:
A. Stockholm Convention: Deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This matches with Theme 2.
B. Minamata Convention: Deals with Mercury. This matches with Theme 3.
C. Basel Convention: Deals with the control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. This matches with Theme 4.
D. Rotterdam Convention: Deals with the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. This matches with Theme 1.
Therefore, the correct code is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.
These are key multilateral environmental agreements addressing specific types of hazardous substances and wastes: POPs (Stockholm), Mercury (Minamata), Hazardous Waste Movement (Basel), and hazardous chemicals/pesticides in trade (Rotterdam).
These conventions are crucial components of international environmental law aimed at protecting human health and the environment from hazardous substances. They often involve obligations regarding reduction, elimination, sound management, and trade controls of the substances within their scope.

218. What is ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative? 1. It encourages organizat

What is ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative?

  • 1. It encourages organizations and other interested stakeholders to act now in order to achieve a carbon neutral world by 2030.
  • 2. It derives its aims from the Paris Agreement.

[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 question asks about the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative.
Statement 1: It encourages organizations and other interested stakeholders to act now in order to achieve a carbon neutral world by 2030. This statement is incorrect. The Climate Neutral Now initiative, launched by the UNFCCC, encourages entities (organizations, companies, cities, individuals) to measure, reduce, and offset their greenhouse gas emissions with the goal of becoming climate neutral *themselves*. While it encourages acting *now*, the stated ultimate objective of the initiative is to contribute to the global goal of achieving a climate neutral world *by mid-century*, as required by the Paris Agreement, not specifically by 2030. Achieving global carbon neutrality by 2030 is a far more ambitious target than the goal promoted by this initiative.

Statement 2: It derives its aims from the Paris Agreement. This statement is correct. The initiative explicitly states its alignment with and support for the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly the long-term goal of limiting global warming and achieving climate neutrality in the second half of the century. By encouraging voluntary climate action, it contributes to the collective efforts needed to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

The Climate Neutral Now initiative provides a platform and guidance for voluntary action towards climate neutrality by various actors. It promotes the use of certified carbon credits from UNFCCC-recognized mechanisms as a way to offset unavoidable emissions, in addition to emphasizing the primary importance of reducing emissions.

219. Which of the following statements is/are correct about ‘Action for Cli

Which of the following statements is/are correct about ‘Action for Climate Empowerment’ (ACE)?

  • 1. It is a term adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • 2. This term is related to the Paris Agreement.

[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 question asks about ‘Action for Climate Empowerment’ (ACE).
Statement 1: It is a term adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This statement is correct. Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a term used to denote work under the UNFCCC, focused on six key areas: education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on climate change. These areas are recognized under Article 6 of the original UNFCCC text (1992) and were reaffirmed in subsequent agreements.

Statement 2: This term is related to the Paris Agreement. This statement is correct. The Paris Agreement, specifically in its Article 12, emphasizes the importance of these ACE elements and encourages Parties to cooperate in enhancing these areas. The Doha Work Programme on ACE (adopted in 2012 and extended) provides a framework for implementing ACE activities, including those relevant to the Paris Agreement goals.

ACE is crucial for implementing climate action effectively at all levels of society. It involves empowering all stakeholders to participate in climate action through these six elements. The term ACE covers activities outlined in Article 6 of the UNFCCC and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement.

220. The greatest diversity of animal and plant species is found in :

The greatest diversity of animal and plant species is found in :

[amp_mcq option1=”Temperate forests” option2=”Deserts and Savannas” option3=”Arctic and Alpine systems” option4=”Tropical moist forests” correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D. Tropical moist forests, also known as rainforests, are characterized by warm temperatures, high rainfall, and high primary productivity, leading to the greatest diversity of animal and plant species on Earth.
– Biodiversity tends to be highest in regions with stable, favourable climates (warm and wet), high energy input (sunlight), and complex habitats.
– Tropical moist forests provide these conditions, supporting a vast array of ecological niches and complex food webs.
– Diversity generally decreases as one moves towards the poles or into drier/harsher environments.
Temperate forests have significant diversity but less than tropical forests. Deserts, Savannas, Arctic, and Alpine systems experience more extreme or seasonal conditions, which limit the number of species that can survive there compared to tropical rainforests. Factors like stable climate, high productivity, complex structure (multiple layers of vegetation), and evolutionary history contribute to the high biodiversity in tropical moist forests.
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