Test: Environment And Sustainable Development - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Answer:
The correct answer is B: Environment.
The environment is defined as the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It encompasses everything that surrounds us, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and the natural resources that we utilize. The environment plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth and provides essential resources for human survival.
Here is a detailed explanation of the answer:
Definition of the environment:
- The environment refers to the sum total of all living and non-living components of the Earth's surface, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It encompasses everything from the smallest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems.
Planetary inheritance:
- The environment represents the total planetary inheritance, which includes all the natural resources and systems that have developed over billions of years. This includes the geological formations, climate patterns, biodiversity, and ecological processes that have shaped the Earth's history.
Totality of all resources:
- The environment comprises all the resources that are available to support life and human activities. This includes natural resources such as minerals, water, forests, and renewable energy sources. It also includes ecosystem services such as air purification, water filtration, and climate regulation.
Importance of the environment:
- The environment is vital for the survival and well-being of all living organisms, including humans. It provides us with clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and a habitat for biodiversity. It also offers opportunities for recreation, inspiration, and cultural expression.
Human impact on the environment:
- Human activities have a significant impact on the environment. Pollution, deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change are some of the major environmental challenges we face today. It is crucial to adopt sustainable practices and protect the environment to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the environment is the total planetary inheritance and the totality of all resources. It encompasses everything around us and plays a fundamental role in supporting life on Earth.

While all living elements —the birds, animals and plants, forests, fisheries etc.—are biotic elements, abiotic elements include air, water, land
etc. Rocks and sunlight are all examples of abiotic elements of the environment. A study of the environment then calls for a study of the interrelationship between these biotic and abiotic components of the environment.

Abiotic Elements:
- Abiotic elements are non-living components of the environment that play a crucial role in supporting life.
- They include substances and factors such as water, air, land, and sunlight.
- Abiotic elements are essential for the survival and functioning of living organisms.
Examples of Abiotic Elements:
A:

Water:

- Water is a vital abiotic element necessary for the survival of all living organisms.
- It is involved in various biological processes such as hydration, transportation, and metabolism.
- Water provides an environment for aquatic organisms and plays a critical role in regulating temperature.
B:

Air:

- Air is another important abiotic element composed of various gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and others.
- It is essential for respiration in organisms and acts as a medium for the exchange of gases.
- Air also plays a role in weather patterns and the dispersal of seeds and pollen.
D:

Land:

- Land refers to the solid surface of the Earth, including soil, rocks, and minerals.
- It provides a habitat for organisms, supports plant growth, and acts as a foundation for ecosystems.
- Land also influences the availability of nutrients, water retention, and the formation of various geological features.
Non-Abiotic Element:
C:

Plants:

- Plants are categorized as living organisms and are not considered abiotic elements.
- They are part of the biotic components of the environment and depend on abiotic elements such as water, air, and land for their survival.
- Plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem by producing oxygen, providing food, and serving as habitats for other organisms.
In conclusion, the non-abiotic element among the given options is plants (C), as they are living organisms and part of the biotic components of the environment. The abiotic elements include water, air, and land, which are non-living components essential for supporting life.

Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those which can be used without the possibility of the resource becoming depleted or exhausted. These resources are constantly replenished in nature, ensuring their availability for future generations. Some examples of renewable resources include:
1. Solar Energy: Solar energy is derived from the sun and can be converted into electricity or used for heating purposes. It is an abundant and inexhaustible source of energy.
2. Wind Energy: Wind energy is harnessed by wind turbines to generate electricity. Wind is a naturally occurring phenomenon and can be utilized without depleting its source.
3. Hydroelectric Power: Hydroelectric power is generated by harnessing the energy from flowing or falling water. As long as water continues to flow, hydroelectric power can be produced.
4. Biomass: Biomass refers to organic matter such as plants, crop residues, and wood, which can be used as a source of energy. It is renewable because new plants can be grown to replace the ones that are used.
5. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is obtained from heat within the Earth's crust. It is a renewable resource as the Earth's heat is continuously produced by natural processes.
Advantages of Renewable Resources
- Sustainability: Renewable resources can be used indefinitely without depleting their source.
- Environmental Benefits: Renewable resources produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to non-renewable resources, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Energy Security: Utilizing renewable resources reduces dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite and subject to price volatility.
- Job Creation: The renewable energy sector creates job opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems.
Conclusion
Renewable resources offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to non-renewable resources. By harnessing the power of nature, we can ensure a continuous supply of energy while minimizing the negative impacts on the planet. Embracing renewable resources is crucial for a greener and more sustainable future.

Non-renewable resources:
- Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished or are replenished very slowly over a long period of time.
- These resources are finite in nature and their availability diminishes with extraction.
- They are formed over millions of years through geological processes.
- Examples of non-renewable resources include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), minerals (iron, copper, gold), and nuclear fuels (uranium).
- Once these resources are depleted, they cannot be replaced in a human time frame.
- Extraction and consumption of non-renewable resources can have various negative environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable resources:
- Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally or through human intervention within a relatively short time frame.
- These resources have the ability to regenerate or renew themselves.
- Examples of renewable resources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, biomass, and geothermal energy.
- Their availability is not dependent on geological processes but rather on ongoing natural processes.
- Unlike non-renewable resources, renewable resources are not depleted with extraction and can be used sustainably over time.
- Utilizing renewable resources is considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Conclusion:
Non-renewable resources are the ones that get exhausted with extraction. They are finite in nature and cannot be replenished within a human time frame. On the other hand, renewable resources can be replenished naturally or through human intervention and can be used sustainably over time.

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area's resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources.

The maximum amount of waste material that can be naturally absorbed by the environment on a sustainable basis, without causing environmental damage. Absorptive capacity means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation.

Global warming is a:

• Gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere

Explanation:
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's lower atmosphere, also known as the troposphere. Here are some key points to support this answer:
1. Greenhouse Effect: Global warming is primarily caused by the greenhouse effect. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a gradual increase in temperatures.
2. Temperature Records: Over the past century, there has been a significant rise in global temperatures. Various scientific studies, including those conducted by NASA and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), have documented this increase.
3. Climate Change: Global warming is a key driver of climate change. As average temperatures rise, it affects weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. Increased temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, storms, and other extreme weather events.
4. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is occurring and is primarily caused by human activities. This consensus is based on extensive research, data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies.
It is important to address and mitigate global warming to prevent further damage to the environment, ecosystems, and human well-being. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable practices are crucial steps in combating global warming.

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂); Methane (CH₄); Nitrous Oxide (N₂O); Fluorinated Gases are the main greenhouse gases.

The correct option is Option D. The atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ and CH₄ have increased by 31% and 149% respectively above preindustrial levels since 1750.