Environment and Ecology

301. Which one of the following statements about biodiversity is not correc

Which one of the following statements about biodiversity is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The term ‘biodiversity’ was coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1986.” option2=”The term ‘biodiversity hotspots’ was coined by Norman Myers in 1988.” option3=”The regions having richest biodiversity are called ‘biodiversity hotspots’.” option4=”More than 100 hotspots of biodiversity are identified in the world.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2021
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The correct option is D, More than 100 hotspots of biodiversity are identified in the world.
Let’s evaluate each statement:
A) The term ‘biodiversity’ was indeed coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1986 during the first National Forum on Biological Diversity.
B) The term ‘biodiversity hotspots’ was coined by Norman Myers in 1988.
C) Biodiversity hotspots are defined as regions with a high level of endemic species that are also under significant threat of habitat loss. They represent areas with particularly rich biodiversity, but are also vulnerable.
D) The number of identified biodiversity hotspots is significantly less than 100. Norman Myers initially identified 10 in 1988 and added 8 more in 1990. Conservation International, which is the leading body in this area, currently recognizes 36 biodiversity hotspots globally.
A biodiversity hotspot must meet two strict criteria: it must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics (which means it has a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on Earth) and it must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation (it must be threatened). The 36 hotspots currently identified contain over half of the world’s vascular plant species as endemics and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrates as endemics, all within just 2.5% of the Earth’s land surface. Statement D is factually incorrect regarding the number of identified hotspots.

302. Which one of the following is the largest composition in biogas ?

Which one of the following is the largest composition in biogas ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Carbon dioxide” option2=”Methane” option3=”Hydrogen” option4=”Hydrogen sulphide” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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The correct answer is (B) Methane.
Biogas is produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. Its primary components are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is the main combustible component and typically constitutes the largest proportion of biogas, usually ranging from 50% to 75%. Carbon dioxide is the second largest component, making up 25% to 50%.
Minor components of biogas can include hydrogen (H2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and water vapour. While hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide are present, their concentrations are much lower than methane and carbon dioxide.

303. Which one of the following is NOT a cause of depletion in groundwater

Which one of the following is NOT a cause of depletion in groundwater ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Afforestation” option2=”Loss of forests” option3=”Excessive pumping of ground-water” option4=”Construction of large scale concrete buildings” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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The correct answer is (A) Afforestation.
Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover. Trees and forests help in the conservation of groundwater by increasing infiltration and percolation of rainwater into the ground and reducing surface runoff and evaporation. Therefore, afforestation helps in groundwater recharge, not depletion.
Loss of forests, excessive pumping of groundwater, and the construction of large-scale concrete buildings are all causes of groundwater depletion. Loss of forests reduces the ability of land to absorb water. Excessive pumping directly extracts water at a rate faster than it can be recharged. Concrete surfaces prevent rainwater from percolating into the ground, increasing runoff and reducing recharge.

304. Which one of the following is NOT a reason of decrease in biodiversity

Which one of the following is NOT a reason of decrease in biodiversity ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Large scale deforestation” option2=”Exploitation of forest produce” option3=”Maintaining sacred groves” option4=”Encroachment in forest areas” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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Biodiversity decrease is primarily driven by human activities that destroy or degrade habitats, overexploit resources, introduce invasive species, pollute the environment, or cause climate change.
A) Large scale deforestation: This is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
B) Exploitation of forest produce: Overexploitation of timber, non-timber forest products, or wildlife can deplete populations and reduce biodiversity.
C) Maintaining sacred groves: Sacred groves are patches of forest or natural vegetation traditionally protected by communities due to religious or cultural beliefs. They often serve as refuges for local flora and fauna and help in conserving biodiversity, thus acting as a reason for *maintaining* or *increasing* biodiversity, not decreasing it.
D) Encroachment in forest areas: This involves converting forest land for agriculture, settlements, or other uses, resulting in habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity.
Therefore, maintaining sacred groves is NOT a reason for the decrease in biodiversity; it is a conservation practice.
Maintaining sacred groves is a traditional conservation practice that helps protect biodiversity.
Other significant reasons for biodiversity loss include climate change, pollution, and the spread of invasive alien species. Sacred groves are examples of In situ conservation efforts by communities.

305. Which one of the following statements is NOT correct ?

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Biomass is a renewable source of energy” option2=”Gobar gas is produced when cow-dung, crop residues, vegetable waste and sewage are allowed to decompose in the absence of oxygen” option3=”Biogas generation reduces soil and water pollution” option4=”Heating capacity of biogas is very low” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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Statement D is NOT correct. Biogas primarily consists of methane (about 50-75%) and carbon dioxide (25-50%), with trace amounts of other gases. Methane is a flammable gas with a significant calorific value (heat produced per unit volume/mass when burned). While its calorific value is lower than that of natural gas (which is mostly pure methane), it is comparable to or higher than many other common fuels used in rural areas (like wood or dung cakes) and is sufficient for cooking, heating, and generating electricity, indicating a reasonable heating capacity, not a ‘very low’ one.
– Statement A is correct: Biomass (organic matter) is renewable because it can be replenished relatively quickly through natural processes like plant growth.
– Statement B is correct: Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion, the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. This process is used in biogas plants.
– Statement C is correct: Using organic waste to produce biogas reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise pollute soil and water bodies. The digested slurry (digestate) can also be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, replacing chemical fertilizers and improving soil health.
Biogas technology provides a sustainable way to manage organic waste, produce renewable energy, and create organic fertilizer, contributing to a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane emissions from uncontrolled decomposition.

306. Which of the following statements with regard to Biosphere Reserve is/

Which of the following statements with regard to Biosphere Reserve is/are correct ?

  • 1. The idea of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74
  • 2. There are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India
  • 3. All Biosphere Reserves in India have been included in world network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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Statement 1 is largely correct. The idea of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which initiated the concept of Biosphere Reserves, was launched by UNESCO in 1971, with the concept of Biosphere Reserves being developed and defined in the early 1970s, with the first reserves designated in 1976. So, the idea’s initiation phase fits within 1973-74.
Statement 2 is correct. India currently has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While many Indian Biosphere Reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO (currently 12 out of 18), not all of them have been included in the world network.
Biosphere Reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems. They are designated by UNESCO’s MAB Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. They typically include core areas (strictly protected), buffer zones (used for research, tourism, and education), and transition areas (where local communities practice sustainable resource use).
The 12 Indian Biosphere Reserves in the World Network are: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Great Nicobar, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Agasthyamalai, Khangchendzonga, and Panna.

307. Which one of the following is a major environmental issue in eastern

Which one of the following is a major environmental issue in eastern Canada?

[amp_mcq option1=”Acid precipitation” option2=”Groundwater depletion” option3=”Land degradation” option4=”Desertification” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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Acid precipitation (acid rain) has been a historically significant environmental issue in eastern Canada. Due to its geographical location downwind from major industrial areas in the Midwestern United States and central Canada, eastern Canada receives atmospheric pollutants, primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which lead to the acidification of lakes, damage to forests, and degradation of infrastructure.
Eastern Canada is particularly vulnerable to transboundary air pollution leading to acid rain due to prevailing wind patterns and proximity to industrial regions.
While groundwater depletion and land degradation can be local or regional issues, and desertification is irrelevant to eastern Canada’s climate, acid precipitation was identified as a major widespread environmental problem in the region starting in the late 20th century, prompting significant domestic and international efforts to reduce emissions (e.g., Canada-US Acid Rain Accord).

308. Which one of the following cities is associated with Biosafety Protoco

Which one of the following cities is associated with Biosafety Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2000) ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Geneva” option2=”Nairobi” option3=”Cartagena” option4=”Rio de Janeiro” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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The correct answer is C) Cartagena.
The Biosafety Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity is officially known as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It was adopted in Montreal on January 29, 2000, and entered into force on September 11, 2003.
The protocol is named after Cartagena, Colombia, where an extraordinary meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity was held in February 1999 with the aim of finalizing the text of the Protocol. Although the final agreement was reached later in Montreal, the name “Cartagena” was retained. Rio de Janeiro hosted the Earth Summit in 1992 where the Convention on Biological Diversity itself was adopted.

309. How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so fa

How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so far ?

[amp_mcq option1=”12″ option2=”16″ option3=”27″ option4=”62″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2019
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This question refers to the number of sites in India designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The number of Ramsar sites in India has increased significantly over the years. By 2010, the number of Ramsar sites in India was 25. Two more sites were added in 2019, bringing the total to 27. This number remained 27 until 2020 when 10 more sites were added. Given the options provided, 27 is the number of sites that India had for a considerable period (from 2005/2006 to 2019). The number 62 is close to the number 64 reached in July 2022, and then 75 in August 2022. Without knowing the exact year of the exam, 27 represents a historically correct number for a significant period. Based on typical UPSC question framing reflecting the status quo around the time of the exam, and 27 being a long-standing number compared to the rapid increases in 2020-2022, 27 is the most likely intended answer if the question predates 2020. If the question is from late 2022 or later, the number would be 75 (or 64/75 depending on the exact cut-off date), making 62 a possible typo or approximation. However, given the options, 27 is the most stable historical number present.
– Number of Ramsar sites in India has increased over time.
– 27 was the number for a long period (approx. 2005-2019).
– Recent additions in 2020-2022 have increased the count to 75 (as of August 2022).
– Based on the options, 27 is the most likely intended answer from an exam prior to 2020.
India ratified the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982. The first two sites designated were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan). The Ramsar list serves as a tool to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

310. Which one of the following greenhouse gases is in largest concentratio

Which one of the following greenhouse gases is in largest concentration in the atmosphere?

[amp_mcq option1=”Chlorofluorocarbon” option2=”Nitrous oxide” option3=”Carbon dioxide” option4=”Methane” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2018
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Among the given options, Carbon dioxide is in the largest concentration in the atmosphere.
– Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
– Common greenhouse gases include water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), ozone (O₃), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
– While water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas overall, its concentration is highly variable and often considered separately when discussing anthropogenic emissions.
– Among the options listed (excluding water vapor), carbon dioxide (CO₂) has by far the highest concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere. Its concentration is currently over 400 parts per million (ppm).
– Methane (CH₄) concentration is around 1.9 ppm, Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is around 0.34 ppm, and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are present in much lower concentrations (parts per billion or trillion).
– The radiative efficiency (global warming potential) and atmospheric lifetime vary significantly among greenhouse gases. CO₂ has a relatively low radiative efficiency compared to CH₄ or N₂O, but its high concentration and long atmospheric lifetime make it the largest contributor to anthropogenic climate change.
– The concentrations of these gases are monitored globally by various scientific bodies.
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