Environment and Ecology

51. “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate we

“System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

  • Reduced seed requirement
  • Reduced methane production
  • Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), particularly the practice of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), results in reduced seed requirement, reduced methane production, and reduced electricity consumption.
– Statement 1 (Reduced seed requirement): SRI typically involves transplanting single, young seedlings at wider spacing compared to traditional methods, significantly lowering the amount of seed needed per unit area. Correct.
– Statement 2 (Reduced methane production): Methane is produced in rice paddies under continuous flooding due to anaerobic decomposition. Alternate wetting and drying cycles introduce oxygen into the soil, reducing anaerobic conditions and thus significantly lowering methane emissions. Correct.
– Statement 3 (Reduced electricity consumption): Less water is used in SRI due to AWD compared to continuous flooding. If irrigation relies on electric pumps, reduced water usage translates directly to reduced electricity consumption for pumping. Correct.
SRI is a set of practices aimed at increasing rice yields while using fewer inputs like water, seed, and fertilizers, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. AWD is a key component that achieves water savings and methane reduction. SRI also typically leads to healthier soil and stronger plants.

52. Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogen

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Cotton” option2=”Rice” option3=”Sugarcane” option4=”Wheat” correct=”option2″]

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Among the given options, rice cultivation is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide.
– Rice paddies, when flooded, create anaerobic conditions in the soil, which are ideal for methanogenic bacteria to produce methane (CH4). Rice cultivation is a significant global source of anthropogenic methane emissions.
– Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agriculture primarily come from the application of nitrogen fertilizers and the management of manure, which stimulates nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in the soil. Rice cultivation often involves significant nitrogen fertilization.
– While other crops like cotton, sugarcane, and wheat contribute to N2O emissions (due to fertilization), they are not major sources of methane from the cultivation process itself, unlike flooded rice paddies.
Globally, agriculture is a major contributor to both methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Enteric fermentation in livestock is another dominant source of methane, while synthetic fertilizers are a leading source of N2O. Rice cultivation uniquely combines significant emissions of both gases due to the specific conditions of paddy fields and fertilization practices.

53. The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

[amp_mcq option1=”Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas” option2=”Development of gardens using genetically modified flora” option3=”Creation of mini forests in urban areas” option4=”Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces” correct=”option3″]

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The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the creation of mini forests in urban areas.
– The Miyawaki method is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
– It involves planting diverse native tree and shrub species very densely in a small area, after preparing the soil to be rich in organic matter.
– This method aims to accelerate the growth of a forest ecosystem, creating a dense, biodiverse mini-forest in a relatively short time (often cited as 10 times faster than conventional methods).
– It is particularly popular for creating green spaces, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity in urban environments where space is limited.
– Options A, B, and D describe unrelated concepts (commercial farming, genetically modified flora, wind energy harvesting).
The method emphasizes using native species suitable for the local conditions and planting them close together to encourage competition and faster growth towards canopy closure. These mini-forests are also referred to as “tiny forests”.

54. “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following sit

“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Restoration of damaged coral reefs” option2=”Development of building materials using plant residues” option3=”Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas” option4=”Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas” correct=”option1″]

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“Biorock technology” is talked about in the context of the restoration of damaged coral reefs.
– Biorock technology, also known as Mineral Accretion Technology or Seament, is a process that uses a low-voltage electrical current passed through submerged metallic structures in seawater.
– This process causes minerals naturally dissolved in seawater (like calcium carbonate) to precipitate onto the structure, forming a hard layer similar in composition to natural reef rock.
– Corals transplanted onto these structures grow significantly faster and are more resilient to stress factors like high temperatures and pollution, aiding in reef restoration.
– Options B, C, and D relate to completely different fields (building materials, energy exploration, wildlife management).
The technology was invented by architect Wolf Hilbertz and biophysicist Thomas Goreau. It is considered a promising technique for accelerating the growth and survival of corals and other marine organisms, particularly in degraded reef environments.

55. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following s

In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :

  • The 24-hour mean of PM$_{2.5}$ should not exceed 15 $\mu$g/m$^3$ and annual mean of PM$_{2.5}$ should not exceed 5 $\mu$g/m$^3$.
  • In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
  • PM$_{10}$ can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
  • Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

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The correct option is B, as statements 1 and 4 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. The 2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines recommend a 24-hour mean of PM$_{2.5}$ not exceeding 15 $\mu$g/m$^3$ and an annual mean not exceeding 5 $\mu$g/m$^3$.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Ground-level ozone is formed through photochemical reactions involving sunlight, NOx, and VOCs. High concentrations typically occur during hot, sunny weather with stagnant air, not during inclement weather which tends to break down or disperse pollutants.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While both PM$_{10}$ and PM$_{2.5}$ are harmful, smaller particles pose a greater health risk because they can penetrate deeper. PM$_{2.5}$ can reach the deep lung tissue and even enter the bloodstream. PM$_{10}$ mainly deposits in the upper respiratory tract and larger airways; crossing the lung barrier into the bloodstream is less characteristic of PM$_{10}$ as a whole compared to PM$_{2.5}$ and ultrafine particles.
Statement 4 is correct. Excessive exposure to ground-level ozone is a known respiratory irritant and can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
The WHO guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for air quality levels to protect public health. Many countries have national air quality standards, which may differ from the WHO guidelines.

56. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then

“If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.” option2=”Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.” option3=”Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.” option4=”Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.” correct=”option4″]

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The correct option is D. The analogy “wetlands function as its kidneys” best reflects the function where aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
The kidney’s primary function is to filter waste products from the blood. Wetlands act similarly by filtering pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff) from water as it flows through them. This purification process prevents these substances from entering larger water bodies. The absorption of heavy metals and excess nutrients by aquatic plants and microbial action within the wetland are key mechanisms for this filtering and purification function.
Other vital functions of wetlands include groundwater recharge, flood control, shoreline stabilization, and providing habitat for diverse species. However, the filtering of water is the function most directly analogous to the function of kidneys in the human body.

57. Consider the following statements : “The Climate Group” is an intern

Consider the following statements :

  • “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
  • The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
  • EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
  • Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
  • The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2, 4 and 5″ option2=”1, 3 and 4 only” option3=”2, 3 and 5 only” option4=”1, 2, 3, 4 and 5″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B, as statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. The Climate Group is a reputable international non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating climate action through networks of businesses and governments.
Statement 2 is incorrect. EP100 is an initiative led by The Climate Group. While the International Energy Agency (IEA) is a key player in energy efficiency globally and interacts with such initiatives, it did not launch EP100 in partnership with The Climate Group.
Statement 3 is correct. EP100 brings together companies committed to doubling their energy productivity, driving innovation and competitiveness while reducing emissions.
Statement 4 is correct. Several major Indian companies, such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Godrej & Boyce, Infosys, etc., are members of the EP100 initiative.
Statement 5 is incorrect. The Under2 Coalition is a group of state and regional governments committed to climate action. The Secretariat for the Under2 Coalition is run by The Climate Group, not the International Energy Agency.
The Climate Group runs several initiatives focused on different aspects of climate action, including RE100 (100% renewable electricity), EP100 (energy productivity), and EV100 (electric transport). These initiatives engage major corporations globally to drive market change.

58. “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges

“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :

[amp_mcq option1=”Database created by coalition of research organisations” option2=”Wing of "International Panel of Climate Change"” option3=”Committee under "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change"” option4=”Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A. Climate Action Tracker is a database created by a coalition of research organisations.
The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an independent scientific analysis produced by two research organisations: Climate Analytics and NewClimate Institute. It tracks the climate pledges and actions of countries against the emissions reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
CAT was launched in 2009 and has been providing independent assessments of countries’ climate commitments ever since. Its analysis is highly regarded and frequently cited in international climate policy discussions. It is not part of the official structure of the IPCC or UNFCCC, although its work supports their goals.

59. Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?

Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?

[amp_mcq option1=”Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound” option2=”Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country” option3=”Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development” option4=”Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme” correct=”option1″]

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“Greenwashing” is a term used to describe the practice of making unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practices. It involves conveying a false impression to consumers that something is more environmentally sound than it actually is. Option A perfectly captures this definition. Options B, C, and D describe other aspects related to environmental accounting, development impacts, or environmental cost integration, but not greenwashing.
Greenwashing is essentially environmental marketing spin that deceives the public into believing a company or product is environmentally friendly when it is not.
Common tactics include using vague language, irrelevant certifications, hidden trade-offs (making one environmental claim while ignoring a significant negative impact), or outright lies. Regulatory bodies in various countries are increasingly cracking down on greenwashing claims.

60. Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.” option2=”It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.” option3=”It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.” option4=”It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.” correct=”option1″]

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The ‘Polar Code’ is indeed the International Code of Safety for Ships Operating in Polar Waters. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and contains mandatory provisions covering safety (Part I-A) and pollution prevention (Part II-A), and recommendatory provisions covering safety (Part I-B) and pollution prevention (Part II-B). Options B, C, and D describe different types of agreements or activities unrelated to the specific definition of the Polar Code.
The Polar Code establishes international standards for safe ship operation and environmental protection in the harsh conditions of Arctic and Antarctic waters.
The Code addresses unique risks present in polar waters, such as ice navigation, low temperatures, remoteness, and potential environmental impacts. It covers various aspects including ship design, construction, equipment, operational and training requirements. It came into force on January 1, 2017.
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