All questions of Ecology for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Statement-I correctly highlights the significant coverage of the earth's surface by tropical rain forests and the proportion of plant and animal species they harbor. Statement-II complements this by describing the unique structure of tropical rain forests with multiple layers of vegetation and the concentration of animals and epiphytes in the canopy. The second statement provides further details supporting the first statement, hence both statements are correct, and Statement-II elaborates on Statement-I, making option A the correct choice.

1. Herbivores : Primary consumers

Correct. Herbivores feed mainly on plants and are primary consumers. Examples include cows and rabbits.

2. Wolves : Secondary consumers

Correct. Wolves feed on primary consumers and are considered secondary consumers.

3. Algae : Primary producers

Correct. Algae, like green plants, perform photosynthesis and are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.

4. Earthworm : Macro consumers

Incorrect. Earthworms are not macro consumers; they are detritivores, which helps in the decomposition of organic matter. They are considered micro consumers as they decompose dead organic substances.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Energy from the sun is essential for the maintenance of life. In the case of plants, the sun directly supplies the necessary energy. Since animals cannot use solar energy directly they obtain it indirectly by eating plants or animals or both. Energy determines the distribution of organisms in the environment.

 

 

Statement 1: Precipitation near the equator falls as rain into the ocean.

This statement is correct. Near the equator, the climate is generally warm and humid. As warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds. These clouds then produce heavy rainfall. Since the equator is surrounded by vast oceans, a significant portion of the precipitation falls directly into the ocean.

Statement 2: Water vapor is a greenhouse gas that helps regulate the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.

This statement is also correct. Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature through the greenhouse effect. Water vapor absorbs and re-emits heat radiated from the Earth's surface, trapping it in the atmosphere. This process helps to maintain the Earth's temperature within a suitable range for supporting life.

Statement 3: Globally, precipitation far exceeds evaporation.

This statement is incorrect. The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and back. Precipitation refers to the process of water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, while evaporation refers to the process of water changing from a liquid to a vapor and returning to the atmosphere.

Globally, evaporation and precipitation are generally balanced, forming a cycle. The amount of water evaporating from the Earth's surface is approximately equal to the amount of water returning as precipitation. Therefore, the statement that precipitation far exceeds evaporation is not accurate.

Conclusion:

Based on the analysis, the correct statements are:
1. Precipitation that falls near the equator is most likely to fall as rain into the ocean.
2. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas that helps to regulate the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.