Environment and Ecology

31. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect

Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree ?

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Fig
Mahua
Sandalwood
Silk cotton
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The fig tree (genus *Ficus*) exhibits a unique and highly coevolved symbiotic relationship with specific fig wasps (family Agaonidae). Each species of fig tree is typically pollinated by only one or a few specific species of fig wasp, and the fig wasp relies entirely on the fig tree for reproduction. The female wasp enters the fig (which is an inverted flower structure called a syconium) to lay eggs and pollinate the flowers inside, while the male wasps are wingless and live and die within the fig.
– The fig-fig wasp relationship is a classic example of obligate mutualism and coevolution.
– This relationship is highly specific, with a particular fig species depending on a particular wasp species for pollination, and the wasp depending on that fig species for reproduction.
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is primarily pollinated by bats and other nocturnal visitors, but also receives pollination from insects. Sandalwood (Santalum album) pollination is less well-documented but involves insects and potentially wind. Silk cotton (Bombax ceiba) is primarily pollinated by birds (like mynas and crows) and bats. None of these exhibit the kind of highly specific, obligate one-to-one coevolutionary relationship seen between figs and fig wasps.

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32. Consider the following : Battery storage Biomass generators Fuel c

Consider the following :

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  • Battery storage
  • Biomass generators
  • Fuel cells
  • Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?

Only one
Only two
Only three
All four
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Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small, modular energy generation, storage, or demand-response technologies located at or near the point of consumption. This distributed nature contrasts with traditional centralized power generation.
– Battery storage stores energy and can be used locally, fitting the definition of a DER.
– Biomass generators can be deployed at various scales, including small-scale, localized generation which qualifies as a DER.
– Fuel cells are capable of providing localized power generation and can be considered DERs.
– Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) units are a quintessential example of DER, generating power at the point of use.
DERs can improve grid reliability, resilience, and efficiency by reducing transmission losses and providing local support during peak demand or outages. They also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Other examples of DERs include small wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and electric vehicles capable of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power flow.

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33. Consider the following statements: Statement-I : Many chewing gums fou

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :
Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II :
Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

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Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
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Statement-I is correct. Discarded chewing gum is a significant source of litter and environmental pollution. It is sticky, difficult to remove from surfaces like pavements, and takes a very long time to degrade. Statement-II is correct. The gum base used in most modern chewing gums is made of synthetic polymers, which are essentially types of plastic (e.g., polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene). These synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable or degrade extremely slowly. The fact that chewing gum contains non-biodegradable plastic explains why it persists in the environment when discarded and is considered a pollutant. Therefore, Statement-II provides the reason for Statement-I.
– Chewing gum litter is a persistent environmental problem.
– Modern chewing gum bases are often made of synthetic polymers (plastics).
– Plastic components contribute to the non-biodegradability of discarded gum.
Traditional chewing gums were made from natural latexes like chicle. However, since the mid-20th century, synthetic alternatives have become predominant due to cost and consistency. The plastic nature of the gum base is the primary reason for the environmental concerns associated with its disposal.

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34. Consider the following statements: Statement-I : The atmosphere is h

Consider the following statements:

  • Statement-I :
    The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
  • Statement-II :
    Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

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Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
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Statement-I is incorrect. The atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation, which primarily reaches and heats the Earth’s surface. The heated surface then emits longwave terrestrial radiation. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, are effective absorbers of this longwave radiation. The absorption of terrestrial radiation by greenhouse gases is the primary mechanism by which the atmosphere is heated. Therefore, the atmosphere is heated more by terrestrial radiation than by incoming solar radiation directly.
Statement-II is correct. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (like water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide) are indeed good absorbers of longwave (infrared) radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. This absorption and subsequent re-emission of longwave radiation is the fundamental process of the greenhouse effect, which warms the lower atmosphere.
Since Statement-I is incorrect and Statement-II is correct, option D is the correct choice.
The greenhouse effect describes the process where atmospheric gases trap heat (longwave radiation) radiated by the Earth’s surface, warming the atmosphere. The atmosphere receives energy directly from the sun (shortwave) and indirectly from the Earth’s surface (longwave).
While the atmosphere does absorb some incoming solar radiation (e.g., ozone absorbs UV), the bulk of the atmospheric heating, particularly in the troposphere, comes from the absorption of terrestrial longwave radiation.

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35. Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The Indian Flying F

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I :
The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement-II :
The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

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Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
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Statement-I is correct. The Indian Flying Fox (*Pteropus giganteus*) is one of the species that can be declared ‘vermin’ by state governments under Section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This is typically done in specific areas where they are considered a threat to agriculture or public health, allowing them to be hunted.
Statement-II is incorrect. The Indian Flying Fox is a frugivorous (fruit-eating) bat. It feeds primarily on fruits, nectar, and pollen. Vampire bats, which are native to the Americas, are the species that feed on blood, but the Indian Flying Fox is not a vampire bat.
Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
Listing an animal as ‘vermin’ under the Wild Life (Protection) Act removes its protection status within specified areas. The diet of the Indian Flying Fox is mainly fruits and nectar, essential for plant pollination and seed dispersal.
The practice of declaring certain animals as vermin is controversial, as it can impact populations and ecosystems. The Indian Flying Fox plays an ecological role as a pollinator and seed disperser.

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36. With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:

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  • 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
  • 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
  • 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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All three statements regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are correct. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of products, leading to their presence in various environmental media, including drinking water, food, and food packaging. They are known for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them extremely persistent and resistant to degradation in the environment and biological systems, hence the term “forever chemicals”. Due to their persistence, they can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, including animals and humans, through repeated exposure, a process known as bioaccumulation.
PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs). Their widespread use and environmental persistence are major concerns for human health and the environment.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various adverse health effects, including immune system effects, hormonal disruption, increased cholesterol levels, and potential links to certain cancers. Regulations and efforts to mitigate PFAS contamination are ongoing globally.

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37. One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland

One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?

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Amazon Basin.
Congo Basin
Kikori Basin
Rio de la Plata Basin
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The description points to the location of the world’s largest tropical peatland complex. Recent scientific studies, particularly research published around 2017, identified the vast peatlands located in the central Congo Basin as the world’s largest contiguous tropical peat complex. These peatlands store an enormous amount of carbon, estimated to be equivalent to roughly three years of global fossil fuel emissions. Their potential destruction due to climate change, drainage, or land-use change poses a significant risk of releasing this stored carbon, with detrimental effects on the global climate.
The Congo Basin contains the world’s largest tropical peatland, which is a massive carbon sink.
Peatlands are wetlands characterized by the accumulation of partially decayed organic matter (peat). They are important ecosystems and carbon sinks. Tropical peatlands, while less extensive than boreal peatlands, store significant amounts of carbon and are particularly vulnerable to degradation. The Congo Basin peatlands are a critical component of the global carbon cycle.

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38. “Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of which one

“Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of which one of the following ?

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Assisted reproductive technologies
Drug delivery nanotechnologies
Vaccine production technologies
Wastewater treatment technologies
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Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) are a technology used extensively in wastewater treatment. An MBR system combines a biological treatment process (such as activated sludge) with a membrane filtration step. The membranes are used to separate treated water from the activated sludge, effectively replacing the secondary clarifier and tertiary filtration found in conventional wastewater treatment plants. This allows for a higher concentration of biomass in the biological reactor, leading to more efficient treatment and producing high-quality effluent.
MBRs integrate biological treatment with membrane filtration for improved separation and treatment efficiency in wastewater management.
MBRs are particularly useful for treating municipal and industrial wastewater where space is limited, or high effluent quality is required, such as for water reuse applications. They offer advantages like smaller footprint, better effluent quality, and reduced sludge production compared to conventional systems.

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39. Consider the following materials : 1. Agricultural residues 2. Co

Consider the following materials :

  • 1. Agricultural residues
  • 2. Corn grain
  • 3. Wastewater treatment sludge
  • 4. Wood mill waste

Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?

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1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4 only
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The correct option is C.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can be produced from a variety of sources (feedstocks) besides traditional petroleum-based jet fuel. These feedstocks are often biomass-based or derived from waste materials.
1. Agricultural residues: Residues like corn stover, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, etc., are lignocellulosic materials that can be converted into SAF through various biochemical or thermochemical processes like gasification followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, or cellulosic ethanol converted to jet fuel.
2. Corn grain: While controversial from a food security perspective, corn grain can be fermented into ethanol, which can then be converted into SAF via the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) pathway. This is a recognized method for producing SAF, although its sustainability is debated depending on the criteria used (e.g., land use change).
3. Wastewater treatment sludge: The organic content in sewage sludge can be utilized as a feedstock for SAF production through processes such as hydrothermal liquefaction or gasification.
4. Wood mill waste: Forestry residues, sawdust, wood chips, and other wood waste from sawmills and logging operations are lignocellulosic feedstocks similar to agricultural residues and can be converted into SAF.

All listed materials are potential feedstocks for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The sustainability of SAF depends not just on the feedstock but also the production pathway, land use impacts, and overall lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Various pathways and feedstocks are being explored and certified globally to meet sustainability criteria set by international bodies.

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40. Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Biodiversity Man

Consider the following statements:

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  • 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
  • 2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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UPSC IAS – 2023
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The correct option is C.
Statement 1 is correct. India is a party to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). The Protocol is implemented in India through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Act mandates a three-tier structure: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level. BMCs are essential for implementing the ABS mechanism at the grassroots level, particularly for access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge within their local jurisdiction, thus being key to realizing the Nagoya Protocol’s objectives.
Statement 2 is correct. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004, specify the functions of BMCs. These include documenting local biodiversity, promoting conservation and sustainable use, and playing a role in access and benefit sharing related to biological resources and traditional knowledge. Rule 22 of the Rules explicitly grants BMCs the power to “levy charges by way of collection fees from any person for accessing data or information held by the Committee including from commercial utilization.” Further, Section 7 of the Act requires obtaining prior intimation to the BMC for access to biological resources for commercial use within their area, allowing BMCs to determine access and benefit-sharing conditions.
The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are constituted by every local body within its area. They consist of a Chairman and not more than six persons nominated by the local body, of whom not less than one third should be women and not less than 50% should be from the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.

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