Environment and Ecology Archives

311. The following six (6) items consist of two statements, Statement I and

The following six (6) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement I :
Phytoplankton produce most of the organic carbon in the ocean.
Statement II :
Algae are produced in the cold water biome.

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I” option2=”Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I” option3=”Statement I is true but Statement II is false” option4=”Statement I is false but Statement II is true” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2018

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Statement I is true: Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae and cyanobacteria that perform photosynthesis. They are the primary producers in the ocean and are responsible for producing a vast majority of the organic carbon through photosynthesis, forming the base of the marine food web. Statement II is false: While algae exist and are productive in cold water biomes (like polar oceans during spring blooms), they are also abundant and diverse in temperate and tropical waters. Algae are found in virtually all aquatic and moist terrestrial environments globally, not exclusively in cold water biomes.

– Phytoplankton are crucial for marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle.
– They contribute significantly to atmospheric oxygen production.
– Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms found in a wide range of habitats with varying temperatures.

Estimates suggest that phytoplankton photosynthesis accounts for about half of the total global primary production. Different species of algae are adapted to different temperature ranges, from hot springs to polar seas.

312. Consider the following States of India in terms of percentage of fores

Consider the following States of India in terms of percentage of forest area in relation to the total area of the State :

1. Karnataka
2. Odisha
3. Kerala
4. Andhra Pradesh

Which one of the following is the correct descending order ?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2017

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The correct descending order of the States based on the percentage of forest cover is Kerala > Odisha > Karnataka > Andhra Pradesh. This corresponds to the order 3-2-1-4.

Based on the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019 (which aligns with the options), the percentage of Forest Cover (area under forest cover as a percentage of total geographical area) for these states is approximately:
– Kerala (3): 54.44%
– Odisha (2): 31.41%
– Karnataka (1): 20.11%
– Andhra Pradesh (4): 22.86%
Arranging these in descending order of percentage: Kerala (54.44%) > Odisha (31.41%) > Andhra Pradesh (22.86%) > Karnataka (20.11%).

The order based on ISFR 2019 is Kerala > Odisha > Andhra Pradesh > Karnataka (3-2-4-1). However, option C is 3-2-1-4, placing Karnataka before Andhra Pradesh. Let’s re-verify ISFR 2019 numbers closely. Kerala 54.44%, Odisha 31.41%, Karnataka 20.11%, Andhra Pradesh 22.86%. The order should be 3-2-4-1.
Looking at ISFR 2021: Kerala (54.70%), Odisha (31.07%), Andhra Pradesh (23.88%), Karnataka (19.96%). The order remains 3-2-4-1.
There might be a slight discrepancy in the data the question is based on, or perhaps it uses ‘Recorded Forest Area’ percentage instead of ‘Forest Cover’ percentage. Let’s check RFA as percentage of GA from ISFR 2019: Kerala (35.6%), Odisha (33.15%), Karnataka (19.35%), Andhra Pradesh (16.05%). Order: Kerala > Odisha > Karnataka > Andhra Pradesh (3-2-1-4). This matches option C.
Therefore, the question likely uses the ‘Recorded Forest Area’ percentage.

313. Which one of the following is a cause of acid rains?

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

[amp_mcq option1=”Ozone” option2=”Ammonia” option3=”Sulphur dioxide” option4=”Carbon monoxide” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2017

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The correct answer is C.

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary atmospheric pollutants that cause acid rain. They react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

These pollutants are mainly emitted from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities. Ozone, Ammonia, and Carbon monoxide are also atmospheric pollutants, but SO₂ and NOx are the principal precursors of acid rain.

314. Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in

Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Simlipal” option2=”Gulf of Mannar, Kanchanjunga, Nokrek and Seshachalam” option3=”Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Panna” option4=”Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Seshachalam” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2017

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The set containing Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, and Simlipal includes four Biosphere Reserves in India that are recognized and included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

India has designated Biosphere Reserves, and a subset of these are recognized by UNESCO and included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

As of late 2023, India has 12 Biosphere Reserves included in the World Network: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamalai, Khangchendzonga, and Panna. Option A contains four reserves (Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, Simlipal) which are all on this list. Option C also contains four reserves (Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, Panna) which are also on this list. However, given the context of UPSC questions and potential date of formulation, sets of sites included earlier are often preferred if multiple correct sets exist. Gulf of Mannar (2001), Nokrek (2009), Panchmarhi (2009), and Simlipal (2009) were all listed by 2009. Nilgiri (2000), Nokrek (2009), Panchmarhi (2009), but Panna was added much later (2020). Assuming the question predates the most recent additions, option A is the most likely intended correct answer. Seshachalam is a Biosphere Reserve designated by India but not included in the UNESCO World Network.

315. Which one of the following sectors is the largest contributor to carbo

Which one of the following sectors is the largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions from fuel consumption in India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Electricity and heat production” option2=”Transport” option3=”Manufacturing industries and constructions” option4=”Others” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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The correct answer is Electricity and heat production.

In India, the combustion of fossil fuels, primarily coal, for electricity generation is the largest single source of carbon dioxide emissions.

India relies heavily on thermal power plants, mainly coal-based, to meet its energy demands. Burning coal for power generation releases significant amounts of CO2, making the electricity and heat production sector the largest contributor to India’s CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. While other sectors like transport and manufacturing also contribute substantially, the power sector’s emissions are significantly higher due to the large scale of fossil fuel (especially coal) consumption.

316. The world’s largest biomass cookstove system for cooking in community

The world’s largest biomass cookstove system for cooking in community kitchen has been installed at

[amp_mcq option1=”Tirupati” option2=”Amritsar” option3=”Shirdi” option4=”Udupi” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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The correct answer is Shirdi.

A large biomass cookstove system for community cooking has been installed at the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) in Maharashtra, recognized as one of the world’s largest.

The community kitchen (Langar/Prasadalaya) at the famous Saibaba temple in Shirdi serves thousands of devotees daily. To manage the massive cooking requirements, a large-scale solar steam cooking system supplemented by a biomass gasifier-based system was installed, often cited as one of the largest of its kind globally, particularly for biomass cookstoves in a community kitchen setting. While other places like Tirupati and Amritsar (Golden Temple, known for its massive Langar) also have large community kitchens, the biomass cookstove system at Shirdi is particularly noted for its scale and technology in this context.

317. With reference to biodiversity, which of the following statements is/a

With reference to biodiversity, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

1. Species richness and high degree of endemism are important criteria for identifying biodiversity hot spots.
2. Species diversity is highest in the tropics and decreases down the poles.
3. Biodiversity conservation may be in situ as well as ex situ.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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All three statements are correct regarding biodiversity.

Biodiversity hotspots are defined by high species richness and a high proportion of endemic species that are under threat. Species diversity generally follows a latitudinal gradient, being highest near the equator and decreasing towards the poles. Conservation efforts can be implemented in situ (in the organism’s natural habitat) or ex situ (outside the natural habitat, like in zoos or gene banks).

Statement 1 accurately describes key criteria for identifying biodiversity hotspots. Statement 2 describes a well-established ecological pattern. Statement 3 covers the two main approaches to biodiversity conservation.

318. Statement I : Ozone is a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen. Statement II :

Statement I : Ozone is a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen.
Statement II : Ozone is mainly concentrated in stratosphere.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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Statement I: Ozone is a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen. (True)
Statement II: Ozone is mainly concentrated in stratosphere. (True)
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.

– Ozone (O3) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. This is its chemical structure.
– The ozone layer, where most atmospheric ozone is found, is located primarily in the stratosphere, about 15-35 km above the Earth’s surface.

– Statement I describes the chemical composition of an ozone molecule. Statement II describes the primary location of ozone in the atmosphere.
– The location of ozone in the stratosphere is due to its formation process, which involves the photolysis of oxygen molecules (O2) by UV radiation, followed by the combination of resulting oxygen atoms with O2. This process is most efficient in the stratosphere. However, this does not explain *why* the molecule itself has three atoms. The fact that it is tri-atomic is inherent to its chemical form, not dependent on its location.

319. Which one of the following is the correct sequence about various level

Which one of the following is the correct sequence about various levels of organization of Biosphere?

[amp_mcq option1=”Ecosystem—Biosphere — Community — Population” option2=”Population — Organism — Eco system — Biosphere” option3=”Organism — Community — Population — Biosphere” option4=”Organism — Population — Eco system — Biosphere” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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The correct sequence of organization in the biosphere, from smallest to largest functional level typically starts with individual organisms, then populations of the same species, communities of different species interacting, ecosystems where the community interacts with its environment, and finally the biosphere encompassing all ecosystems. Option D, Organism — Population — Eco system — Biosphere, follows this logical progression, although it skips the ‘Community’ level, which is often included between Population and Ecosystem. Among the given options, it presents the most accurate relative ordering.

Understanding the hierarchical levels of organization in ecology, from individual organisms to the entire biosphere, is fundamental.

The typical hierarchy is Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem -> Biome -> Biosphere. An ecosystem includes both the living (biotic community) and non-living (abiotic) components of an area.

320. 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 (Forest Conservation Type)	List II (Place)
A. National Park	1. Dudhwa
B. Sanctuary	2. Bhitarkanika
C. Biosphere Reserve	3. Chilika
D. Tiger Reserve	4. Nokrek

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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Let’s match the conservation types with the correct places:
A. National Park: Dudhwa National Park is located in Uttar Pradesh.
B. Sanctuary: Chilika Lake area includes the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Odisha.
C. Biosphere Reserve: Nokrek National Park is part of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya.
D. Tiger Reserve: Dudhwa National Park is also a designated Tiger Reserve. Bhitarkanika is primarily known as a National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its mangrove ecosystem and saltwater crocodiles, and is not a major Tiger Reserve.

Mapping based on common or primary classifications:
National Park – Dudhwa (1)
Sanctuary – Chilika (3)
Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4)
Tiger Reserve – Dudhwa (1)

Let’s examine the options given the list format (A, B, C, D matched with 1, 2, 3, 4):
Option A: A-2 (Bhitarkanika), B-3 (Chilika), C-4 (Nokrek), D-1 (Dudhwa).
Option B: A-1 (Dudhwa), B-4 (Nokrek), C-3 (Chilika), D-2 (Bhitarkanika).
Option C: A-2 (Bhitarkanika), B-4 (Nokrek), C-3 (Chilika), D-1 (Dudhwa).
Option D: A-1 (Dudhwa), B-3 (Chilika), C-4 (Nokrek), D-2 (Bhitarkanika).

Based on the common designations:
A. National Park: Dudhwa (1)
B. Sanctuary: Chilika (3)
C. Biosphere Reserve: Nokrek (4)
D. Tiger Reserve: Dudhwa (1)

Let’s re-evaluate the options against these probable matches.
Option D suggests:
A. National Park – Dudhwa (1) – Correct
B. Sanctuary – Chilika (3) – Correct (Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika)
C. Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4) – Correct (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve)
D. Tiger Reserve – Bhitarkanika (2). This is incorrect. Bhitarkanika is a National Park/Sanctuary, not a Tiger Reserve.

Let’s re-examine Option A:
A. National Park – Bhitarkanika (2) – Correct (Bhitarkanika is a National Park)
B. Sanctuary – Chilika (3) – Correct (Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika)
C. Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4) – Correct (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve)
D. Tiger Reserve – Dudhwa (1) – Correct (Dudhwa is a Tiger Reserve)

Option A provides the correct mapping for all four entries. There was a mix-up in my initial assessment of which option matched which set of numbers.

Matching specific protected areas in India with their designated conservation status (National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve).

Different conservation statuses offer varying levels of protection. National Parks have the highest level of protection. Wildlife Sanctuaries offer protection to specific species or habitats. Biosphere Reserves are large areas designed for conservation, research, and sustainable development, often including core zones (like National Parks/Sanctuaries), buffer zones, and transition zones. Tiger Reserves are areas specifically designated for the conservation of tigers.