Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change - Solved Questions(1995-2020) - 3 | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions

Question 81: Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?    [2014 - I]
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (d)

In steel furnace coke reacts with iron to release pollutants like Oxides of sulphur, Oxides of nitrogen, Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide.

Question 82: Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of    [2014 - I]
(a) algae and bacteria
(b) algae and fungi
(c) bacteria and fungi
(d) fungi and mosses

Correct Answer is Option (b)

In organisms called lichens, a chlorophyll containing partner, which is an alga, and a fungus live together. Fungus provides shelter, water and minerals to the alga and, in return, the alga provides food which it prepares by photosynthesis.

Question 83: The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C above the preindustrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?    [2014 - I]
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Rise in temperature by 3°C to that of pre-industrial level will led as per choice 1 and 2.

Question 84: The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of [2014 - I]
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Biosphere reserves are established under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Biosphere Reserves Combine Protected areas with zones where sustainable development is nurtured by native dwellers.

Question 85: In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?    [2014 - I]
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with deforestataion. Terrace cultivation helps in less erosion of soil.

Question 86: Which of the following have coral reefs? [2014 - I]
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. Andaman and Nicobar, Gulf of Kachchh and Gulf of Mannar have coral reefs. However Sunderbans do not have coral reef.

Question 87: Consider the following statements : [2014 - I]
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The Animal Welfare Board of India was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The National Tiger Conservation Authority is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests and is a statutory body. National Ganga River Basin Authority was established by the Central Government of India, on 20 February 2009. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority.

Question 88: With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2014 - I]
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Eco-sensitive zones are ecological important area under environment protection Act 1986 around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries prohibiting resting certain human activities in the zone.

Question 89: If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses.    [2014 - I] 

Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Common Myna are birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. The common myna is readily identified by the brown body, black hooded head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye.

Question 90: Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?    [2014 - I]
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Volcanic action, Respiration and decay of organic matter adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth. However, photosynthesis uses Carbon dioxide to produce food.

Question 91: Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?    [2014 - I]
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The construction of dams and barrages on rivers, getting trapped in fishing nets accidently and use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in cropfields near the rivers are the reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges river Dolphins.

Question 92: With reference to a conservation organization called “Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/ are correct?    [2014 - I]
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)

This organization is in partnership but not formed by Ramsar convention. The organization was formed in 1954 and Ramsar convention was signed in 1971. “Wetlands International”, It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Question 93: Consider the following pairs:
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Dampa Tiger Reserve, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Mizoram. Saramati peak is in Nagaland. It is located near Tuensang town with a height of 3,826 m. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is famous wildlife reserve in Tripura.

Question 94: With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility'’, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2014 - I]
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Correct Answer is Option (a)

It is an independent financial organization which works with countries on environmental issues.

Question 95: With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:   [2014 - I]
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The Bombay Natural History Society is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Question 96: If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?    [2014 - I]
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.

Question 97: Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?   [2014 - I]
(a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
(b) Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
(c) Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
(d) Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Diatoms are autotrophs which prepare their own food. Crustaceans are herbivorous animals which feed on diatoms. Herrings are carnivorous animals which feed on Crustaceans. This completes the food chain. Diatoms are autotrophs, prepare their own food. Crustaceans eats diatoms. Crustaceans are members of zooplankons and are eaten by Herring fish when small.

Question 98: Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:    [2014 - I]
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.

Question 99: Consider the following international agreements:   [2014 - I]
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is a Convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The World Heritage Convention is concerned with the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. All three of them have a bearing on the biodiversity.

Question 100: With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms?    [2013 - I]
1. Virus
2. Fungi
3. Bacteria
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Bacteria and Fungi both are known as decomposer organisms. Bacteria are important decomposers; they can break down any kind of organic matters. Fungi are primary decomposers, they not only decompose the surface organisms but they can also penetrate deep into the organic matters.

Question 101: Consider the following fauna of India:    [2013 - I]
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Gharial is critically endangered according to IUCN. Overhunting for skin and trophies, habitat loss due to construction of dams and barrages has been the reason for their decline. Leather back turtles are endangered due to human carelessness. Swamp deer occupies a place in the list of the endangered species of the world. Deforestation, draining of swamps and marshes for farming has led to the destruction of their natural habitat.

Question 102: Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?    [2013 - I]
(a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
(b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
(c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
(d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The productivity of Mangroves > grasslands > lakes > oceans.

Question 103: In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of    [2013 - I]
(a) insects and fungi
(b) limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
(c) water limits and fire
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The trees cannot replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of water limits and fire.

Question 104: Consider the following pairs:   [2013 - I]
1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is situated in Garo Hills in Meghalaya. Loktak Lake is in Manipur. Barail Range is in Assam. Though Namdapha National Park and Dafla Hill both are in Arunachal Pradesh, the two are separate entities.

Question 105: Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?    [2013 - I]
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Drinking water in some parts of India has contaminants like Arsenic, Fluoride other than many other contaminants. The sources of Arsenic are run off from orchards. The sources of fluoride are erosion of natural deposits, discharge from fertilizers and aluminum factories.

Question 106: Consider the following: [2013 - I]
1. Star tortoise
2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog
4. Spider monkey
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Star tortoise is found in India in the dry and scrub forests. Pygmy Hog is an endangered species found in Assam. Only 150 animals are left. Monitor Lizard is found in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Spider Monkey is the inhabitant of tropical forests of Central and South America.

Question 107: Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms? [2013 - I]
(a) Ecotone
(b) Ecological niche
(c) Habitat
(d) Home range

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Ecological Niche is a term that describes the way of life of a species. Each species is thought to have a separate unique niche. The ecological niche describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors. A niche is the sum of the habitat requirements that allow a species to persist and produce offspring.

Question 108: In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?    [2013 - I]
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Lion-tailed Macaques are found in the mountain forests scattered across three Indian states stated above.

Question 109: With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:   [2013 - I]
1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (a)

A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other. A food chain is the sequence of who eats whom in a biological community to obtain nutrition.

Sample:- Grassland Biome Grass> Grass Hopper > Rat> Snake > Hawk

Question 110: Due to improper/ indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?   [2013 - I]
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Electronic waste or E-waste has ferrous and nonferrous metals both. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminium, silver, gold, platinum, palladium etc. The presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium and hexavalent chromium are classified as hazardous waste.

Question 111: Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to    [2012 - I]
(a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
(b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
(c) scarcity of food available to them
(d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

Correct Answer is Option (b)

A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle.

Question 112: What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?    [2012 - I]
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)

If phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason then 

1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected as the fishes live on them.

Question 113: Consider the following agricultural practices: [2012 - I]
1. Contour bunding
2. Relay cropping
3. Zero tillage
In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of them

Correct Answer is Option (c)

All the given agricultural practices help in carbon sequestration.

Question 114: Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?    [2012 - I]
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Except promotion of vegetarianism all other acts are threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area.

Question 115: What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?    [2012 - I]
(a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
(b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Oryx has adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains.

Question 116: The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?    [2012 - I]
(a) Production of food and water
(b) Control of climate and disease
(c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination
(d) Maintenance of diversity

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Supporting services of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment are necessary for production of all other ecosystem services including soil formation, nutrient cycling, photosynthesis to name a few.

Question 117: Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?    [2012 - I]
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass, are endangered species.

Question 118: In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?    [2012 - I]
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) National Parks
(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries

Correct Answer is Option (b)

In national parks, local people are not allowed to collect and use the biomass available in the area.

Question 119: Consider the following protected areas:   [2012 - I]
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) l, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Bandipur, Manas and Sunderbans are declared Tiger Reserves

Question 120: The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs    [2012 - I]
(a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
(b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
(c) all the solar radiations
(d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Carbon dioxide absorbs the Infrared part of Solar Radiation