Q76. The concept of carbon credit originated from which one of the following?
(a) Kyoto protocol
(b) Earth summit
(c) Doha round
(d) Montreal Protocol
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The concept of Carbon Credit was originated from Kyoto Protocol. Carbon credit allows a country or organization to produce a certain amount of carbon emissions and which can be traded if the full allowance is not used. Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005.
Q77. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
Gharial
Indian wild ass
Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The schedule 5 vermin- crow, fruit bat, mice, and rat can be killed. Since the animals given in the above MCQ are outside that list hence answer is “D”.
Q78. The objective of Biosphere Reserve is-
(a) Preservation of flora and fauna of forest land
(b) Research and Development of forest product
(c) Research and Development of agro-product
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All the above-given options are correct in terms of the objective of the biosphere reserve. Hence (d) is the right option.
Q79. Earth summit was held in
(a) Chicago
(b) Copenhagen
(c) Rio de Janeiro
(d) London
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Earth Summit or UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro during 3-14 June 1992.
Q80. The author of Green Development is
(a) M. J. Bradshaw
(b) M. Nicolson
(c) R. H. Whittaker
(d) W. M. Adams
Answer: (d)
Explanation: William M. Adams is the author of Green Development. The book provides a clear and coherent analysis of sustainable development in both theory and practice.
Q81. Where is Panchmari Biosphere Reserve located?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (c)
Explanation:Panchmari Biosphere Reserve is located in midst of the Satpura Ranges in Madhya Pradesh. It was designated as a biosphere reserve in 2009 by UNESCO. It acts as a transition zone between forest species of western & eastern ghats e.g. wild boar gaur, chital deer.
Q82. A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is:
Food crop → Rat → Snake → Hawk.
In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?
(a) Food crop
(b) Rat
(c) Snake
(d) Hawk
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The highest concentration of pesticide will accumulate in species which is on top of the food chain. In this case, it is the hawk in which the highest pesticide concentration will accumulate due to biomagnification.
Q83. Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): Many mangrove plants possess high levels of organic solutes.
Reason (R): This is an adaptation to survive and grow in salty waters.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are true R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Mangrove– plants have a higher concentration of salts and minerals (solutes, such as proline and sorbitol) in the cells making their osmotic potential higher than the surrounding water in which they grow. This is a type of adaptation that allows water uptake by the plants in spite of growing in salty waters. Some mangroves also pump out excess salt by specialized roots.
Q84. The first national park of India that was established in 1936 was named as-
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Bharatpur National Park
(c) Hailey National Park
(d) Rajaji National Park
Answer: (c)
Explanation:Hailey National Park which is also called Jim Corbett National Park is in Nainital in Uttarakhand. It was established in 1936. It has tigers, elephants &hundreds of bird species.
Q85. Consider the following statements and choose the correct ones:
A new online Atlas of freshwater biodiversity has been launched on 29 January 2014 which is an output of Bio fresh.
This will help in managing and protecting freshwater in the future.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A new online Atlas of freshwater biodiversity has been launched on 29 January 2014. It will present spatial information and species distribution patterns. The Atlas is an output of Biofresh – an EU-funded project in which the IUCN Global Species Programme is a key partner. It is working to better understand, manage and protect our freshwaters, for generations to come.
Q86. Global-500 Award is given for achievement in the field of
(a) Environmental protection
(b) Movement against narcotics
(c) Movement against terrorism
(d) Population control
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Global 500 Award is given for achievement in the field of environmental protection. The Award was launched in 1987 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to recognize and honor environmental and humanitarian achievement.
Q87. Global Warming is caused due to the emission of
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Carbon Monoxide
(d) Hydrocarbon
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Global warming is caused due to the emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
Q88. Which sanctuary in India is famous for Rhinoceros and in which state is it located?
(a) Gir, Gujarat
(b) Kaziranga, Assam
(c) Ranthambore, Rajasthan
(d) Corbett, Uttarakhand
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Western Ghats have around 1800 endemic species. Most of them are endangered due to human activities in the region. Hence, it is made the biodiversity hotspot so as to save the receding species of this region.
Q89. Which of the following statements are correct?
A new study has found that changes in solar activity contributed no more than 10 percent to global warming in the 20th century published in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
It has been proposed that cosmic rays may have a role in cooling the earth by encouraging clouds to form, which subsequently reflect the sun’s rays back into space.
Researchers found a high correlation between cosmic rays and global temperatures occurring every 22 years.
Select the answer from the codes given below-
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b)
Explanation:The Researchers found a small correlation between cosmic rays and global temperatures occurring every 22 years; however, the changing cosmic ray rate lagged behind the change in temperatures by between one and two years, suggesting that the cause might not be down to cosmic rays alone and cloud formation but might be due to the direct effects of the sun. By comparing the small oscillations in the cosmic ray rate, which were taken from data from two neutron monitors, and temperature with the overall trends in both since 1955, the research team found that less than 14 per cent of the global warming seen during this period could be attributable to solar activity.
Q90. Which one of the following is the most important factor responsible for the decline of biodiversity?
(a) Genetic assimilation
(b) Controlling predators
(c) Destruction of habitat
(d) Controlling pests
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Destruction of habitat is one of the main reasons for biodiversity decline.
Q91. Red Data Book provides an account of
(a) Extinct animals only
(b) Endangered plants & animals
(c) Endangered plants only
(d) Fossil plants
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Red Data Book released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature is regarding endangered &vulnerable biotic species (plants and animals). It was started in 1964.
Q92. Which one of the following is an important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity?
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) Botanical Gardens
(c) National Parks
(d) Wild Life Sanctuaries
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Biosphere reserves provide in-situ conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of both flora and fauna. It is actually the on-site conservation of genetic resources in their natural environment.
Q93. . It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in the sea only and not on continents.
Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: US National Research Council report on Algal Biofuel (2012) observed that
1. Algae and cyanobacteria biomass production in the U.S. desert Southwest could be perceived as a good use of low-value land by some but as an intrusion into pristine land by others. Similarly, the use of genetically modified organisms in production systems could affect social acceptability. So this is a social concern and it also proves statement #1 wrong.
2. Open Algal ponds will attract insect larvae invasion and affect predator-prey balance. This is an ecological concern. Hence Statement 3 is right.
3. And the report discussed challenges in production and technology. Hence answer 2 and 3.
Q94. What is the primary source of food for marine life?
(a) Phytoplankton
(b) Zooplankton
(c) Seaweeds
(d) Grass
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Phytoplanktons are one of the main producers in the marine ecosystem and thus these are the primary source of food for marine life.
Q95. In which of the following States is Dampa Tiger Reserve situated?
(a) Assam
(b) Karnataka
(c) Mizoram
(d) Orissa
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Dampha Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Mizoram. It is situated on the border of India with Bangladesh in western Mizoram.
Q96. Which of the following is not a water pollutant?
(a) Zinc
(b) Copper
(c) Nickel
(d) Sulphur dioxide
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Zinc is not considered a water pollutant.
Q97. The loss of biodiversity is due to
(a) The destruction of natural habitats of the organism
(b) Environmental pollution
(c) Destruction of forests
(d) All the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The destruction of natural habitats of organisms, environmental pollution, destruction of forests, and all are responsible for the decline in biodiversity.
Q98. Which state in India has the largest coverage area of the forest?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Kerala
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh with a forest cover of about 77,462 square kilometres ranks first in the list of forest cover. It is followed by Arunachal Pradesh with a forest cover of about 67,248 sq. km.
Q99. The driving force of an ecosystem is
(a) Biomass
(b) Producer
(c) Carbohydrate in producers
(d) Solar energy
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Solar energy is the main driving force of an ecosystem. It is this energy that producers use for photosynthesis. Consumers are dependent upon producers for their food requirements.
Q100. Acid rain is caused due to air pollution by
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Carbon monoxide
(c) Methane
(d) Nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Acid rain is caused mainly due to the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which combine with water to produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid respectively.
