Environment and Ecology

221. The depletion in atmospheric ozone layer in last century was due to :

The depletion in atmospheric ozone layer in last century was due to :

[amp_mcq option1=”chlorofluorocarbon” option2=”carbon monoxide” option3=”methane” option4=”pesticides” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The correct answer is A. The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer observed in the last century is primarily attributed to the release of synthetic chemicals, especially chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
– CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform were widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, fire extinguishers, and solvents.
– When these chemicals reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms which catalytically destroy ozone molecules ($\text{O}_3$).
The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica and subsequent scientific research led to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987), an international treaty designed to phase out the production and consumption of ODS. This has led to a slow recovery of the ozone layer. Carbon monoxide, methane, and pesticides have different environmental impacts but are not the primary cause of stratospheric ozone depletion.

222. Biogas is considered to be an excellent fuel which burns without smoke

Biogas is considered to be an excellent fuel which burns without smoke. The main constituent of biogas is :

[amp_mcq option1=”methane” option2=”hydrogen” option3=”carbon dioxide” option4=”hydrogen sulphide” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The correct answer is A. Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. Its main constituent is methane ($\text{CH}_4$).
– Biogas is primarily composed of methane (typically 50-75%) and carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) (typically 25-50%).
– Methane is the combustible component of biogas, making it valuable as a fuel.
Other gases present in biogas in smaller quantities include hydrogen ($\text{H}_2$), hydrogen sulphide ($\text{H}_2\text{S}$), nitrogen ($\text{N}_2$), and oxygen ($\text{O}_2$). The proportion of these gases varies depending on the feedstock and digestion conditions. While carbon dioxide is also a major component by volume, methane is the main constituent that provides the energy when burned.

223. Which one of the following is the main cause of the acid rains ?

Which one of the following is the main cause of the acid rains ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Sun causes heating of upper layer of atmosphere.” option2=”The burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere.” option3=”The electrical charges are produced due to friction amongst clouds.” option4=”The atmosphere of the Earth contains acids.” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The correct answer is B. Acid rain is primarily caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($\text{NO}_\text{x}$) which react with water molecules, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
– The main source of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides is the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles, and industries.
– These oxides dissolve in atmospheric water to form acidic compounds, which then fall to the ground as acid rain, snow, fog, or dry particles (acid deposition).
While carbon oxides (like $\text{CO}_2$) contribute to atmospheric processes such as climate change and ocean acidification, they are not the primary drivers of *acid rain* in the sense of acidic precipitation formed from sulfur and nitrogen pollutants. Natural sources like volcanic eruptions and decaying vegetation also contribute small amounts of sulfur and nitrogen compounds, but anthropogenic sources, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the dominant cause of widespread acid rain.

224. The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respe

The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’, often talked about in media, refers to

[amp_mcq option1=”WHO’s COVID-19 Global Vaccination Drive” option2=”contributions to the International Monetary Fund” option3=”reduction of greenhouse gas emissions” option4=”contributions to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2022
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The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ is a cornerstone of international environmental law, particularly within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It recognizes that while all states share a common responsibility for addressing global environmental problems, particularly climate change, they have contributed to the problem in different ways and possess different capacities (technical, financial, etc.) to address it. This principle underlies the differential obligations placed on developed and developing countries regarding emissions reduction targets and financial/technological support.
Option C, “reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” is directly related to climate change negotiations where this principle is most prominently discussed and applied.
The principle acknowledges historical responsibilities for emissions (developed countries) and varying capacities for action (developing countries).
The principle is enshrined in Article 3.1 of the UNFCCC. It aims to ensure fairness and equity in addressing global environmental challenges, especially climate change.

225. The World Wetland Day is celebrated on which one of the following date

The World Wetland Day is celebrated on which one of the following dates every year?

[amp_mcq option1=”10th June” option2=”13th February” option3=”9th March” option4=”2nd February” correct=”option4″]

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The World Wetland Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year.
World Wetland Day is observed annually on February 2nd. This date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
The day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. Wetlands are ecosystems saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, playing crucial roles in regulating water cycles, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.

226. The boundary layer of the forest at which the energy exchange occurs a

The boundary layer of the forest at which the energy exchange occurs and some insolation is returned directly to space is

[amp_mcq option1=”forest floor” option2=”forest soil” option3=”forest canopy” option4=”forest litter” correct=”option3″]

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The forest canopy, which is the upper layer formed by the crowns of trees, is the primary interface between the forest ecosystem and the atmosphere. This is where the majority of solar radiation is intercepted, leading to energy exchange through processes like photosynthesis, transpiration, and radiation absorption/reflection. A significant portion of incoming solar radiation is absorbed or reflected by the canopy, influencing the microclimate below and contributing to the Earth’s energy balance (with some insolation reflected back to space).
The question describes the boundary layer of the forest involved in significant energy exchange and reflection of insolation. This description perfectly matches the functions of the forest canopy.
The forest floor, soil, and litter are important components of the forest ecosystem but are not the primary interface for the initial large-scale energy exchange with the atmosphere via direct insolation and radiation. The canopy is the highest and most exposed layer, thus playing this crucial role.

227. Which one of the following films has won the Best Film Award in Enviro

Which one of the following films has won the Best Film Award in Environment Conservation category at the 67th National Film Awards, 2021?

[amp_mcq option1=”Jonaki Porua” option2=”Wild Karnataka” option3=”Water Burial” option4=”Ronuwa—Who Never Surrender” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
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The film ‘Water Burial’ (in Monpa language) won the Best Film Award in the Environment Conservation category at the 67th National Film Awards, 2021.
The 67th National Film Awards were announced in March 2021, honouring films from 2019. ‘Water Burial’ is based on a popular Assamese novel ‘Sabdahere Sabdah’ by Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi and highlights the issue of ecological degradation and traditional rituals.
‘Wild Karnataka’ won the award for Best Exploration Film (Non-Feature Film) at the same awards. The Environment Conservation category specifically recognizes films that contribute to awareness or action regarding environmental issues.

228. Scientists at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from the Water Technology In

Scientists at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from the Water Technology Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, have recently developed a novel hybrid technology to bring safe and healthy drinking water. What is the name of the hybrid technology?

[amp_mcq option1=”SafeWater” option2=”SWASTIIK” option3=”Arsiron Nilogon” option4=”Fluoride Nilogon” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
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The novel hybrid technology developed by scientists at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from DST, to provide safe and healthy drinking water is named SWASTIIK.
SWASTIIK stands for ‘Safe Water and Sustainable Technology Initiative from Indian Knowledgebase’. This technology aims to remove multiple contaminants simultaneously from water, including microbial and chemical impurities.
The technology uses a combination of traditional Indian knowledge and modern science. It focuses on decentralized water purification systems suitable for rural and remote areas where access to safe drinking water is challenging.

229. On the occasion of the World Environment Day, 2021, which one of the f

On the occasion of the World Environment Day, 2021, which one of the following was declared as a National Park in India?

[amp_mcq option1=”Raimona” option2=”Orang” option3=”Dibru-Saikhowa” option4=”Nameri” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Raimona.
– On World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, declared the Raimona Reserve Forest in the Kokrajhar district of Assam as the state’s 6th National Park.
– The notification was issued subsequently.
– Raimona is located in the Bodoland Territorial Region and is known for its biodiversity, including the Golden Langur, Asian elephant, and Bengal tiger.
– The other options (Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa, Nameri) were already existing National Parks in Assam prior to June 2021. Manas National Park was the 5th NP in Assam. The 7th National Park, Dihing Patkai, was declared later in June 2021.

230. Which of the following factors are needed for the growth of corals?

Which of the following factors are needed for the growth of corals?

  • Freshwater
  • Clear shallow salt water
  • Plenty of sunlight for photo-synthesis
  • Warm water between 23 °C and 25 °C

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
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The factors needed for the growth of corals are clear shallow salt water, plenty of sunlight for photo-synthesis, and warm water between 23 °C and 25 °C.
Coral reefs thrive in specific marine environments characterized by warm, clear, shallow saltwater and sufficient sunlight to support the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within the coral tissues.
Let’s evaluate each factor:
1. **Freshwater:** Corals are marine organisms and are highly sensitive to salinity changes. Freshwater input (e.g., from rivers) can be detrimental to coral health. Thus, freshwater is NOT needed.
2. **Clear shallow salt water:** Corals need saltwater. Shallow water allows sunlight penetration. Clear water is crucial because suspended sediment can block sunlight (harming zooxanthellae) and smother corals. This factor is essential.
3. **Plenty of sunlight for photo-synthesis:** Most reef-building corals have symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. These algae perform photosynthesis and provide the coral with energy. Sufficient sunlight is necessary for this process. This factor is essential.
4. **Warm water between 23 °C and 25 °C:** Corals generally require warm water temperatures, typically between 20°C and 28°C. The range 23-25°C falls well within the optimal temperature zone for many coral species. Sustained temperatures outside this range (too hot or too cold) can cause stress and bleaching. This factor is essential.
Therefore, factors 2, 3, and 4 are needed for the growth of corals.
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