Environment - UPSC (CSE) Preliminary Previous year Question and Answer Quiz (2011-2021) Part -1
Environment - UPSC (CSE) Preliminary Previous year Question and Answer Quiz (2011-2021) Part -1
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Question 1 |
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways
- Soil formation
- Prevention of soil erosion
- Recycling of waste
- Pollination of crops
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 2, 3 and 4 only |
C | 2 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 2 |
The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause, of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
A | Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons |
B | Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons |
C | Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons. |
D | Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming |
Question 3 |
Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct?
A | The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol |
B | Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota |
C | The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission |
D | Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme |
Question 4 |
There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
- Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
- Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
- Upwelling in the seas.
A | 1 |
B | 1 and 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 5 |
A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?
A | Indian wild buffalo |
B | Indian wild ass |
C | Indian wild boar |
D | Indian gazelle |
Question 6 |
The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
- Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
- Threatened plant and animal species.
- Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
A | 1 and 3 |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 |
D | 3 only |
Question 7 |
Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
- Species richness
- Vegetation density
- Endemism
- Ethno-botanical importance
- Threat perception
- Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
A | 1, 2 and 6 |
B | 2, 4 and 6 |
C | 1, 3 and 5 |
D | 3, 4 and 6 |
Question 8 |
Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of
- its escape into the outer stratosphere.
- the photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans
- the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
A | 1 and 2 |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 |
D | 3 only |
Question 9 |
In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the
- decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
- nutrients to the surface.
- bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.
A | 1 and 2 |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 |
D | 3 only |
Question 10 |
With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
- Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
- Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
- Customs Act, 1962
- Indian Forest Act, 1927
A | 1 and 3 only |
B | 2, 3 and 4 only |
C | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
D | None of the above Acts |
Question 11 |
Consider the following:
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Decay of organic matter
- volcanic action
A | 1 and 4 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 2, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 12 |
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
- NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
- NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
- Application for intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 13 |
If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?
- Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
- The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
- All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
- The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
A | 1 only |
B | 1 and 2 only |
C | 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 14 |
Consider the following statements:
Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used.
- in the production of plastic foams
- in the production of tubeless tyres
- in cleaning certain electronic components
- as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 4 only |
C | 1, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 15 |
Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant?
- It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification:
- It is a rich source of bio-diesel.
- It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
- Its timber is of great commercial value.
A | 1 only |
B | 2, 3 and 4 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 16 |
With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements:
- The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.
- In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 only |
C | Both 1 and 2 |
D | Neither I nor 2 |
Question 17 |
The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
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 |
Question 18 |
Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?
- To enable them to withstand drought
- To increase the nutritive value of the produce
- To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
- To increase their shelf life
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 3 and 4 only |
C | 1, 2 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 19 |
Consider the following protected areas
- Bandipur
- Bhitarkanika
- Manas
- Sunderbans
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 1, 3 and 4 only |
C | 2, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 20 |
In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?
A | Biosphere Reserves |
B | National Parks |
C | Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention |
D | Wildlife Sanctuaries |
Question 21 |
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
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 |
Question 22 |
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?
A | Production of food and water |
B | Control of climate and disease |
C | Nutrient cycling and crop pollination |
D | Maintenance of diversity |
Question 23 |
Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
- Global warming
- Fragmentation of habitat
- Invasion of alien species
- Promotion of vegetarianism
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 24 |
Consider the following:
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 1, 3 and 4 only |
C | 2 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 25 |
Consider the following agricultural practices:
- Contour bunding
- Relay cropping
- Zero tillage
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 3 only |
C | 1, 2 and 3 |
D | None of them |
Question 26 |
What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
- The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
- The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
- The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 2 only |
C | 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 27 |
Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to
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 |
Question 28 |
Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?
A | State Forest Department |
B | District Collector/Deputy Commissioner |
C | Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer |
D | Gram Sabha |
Question 29 |
Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
A | Carbon dioxide and nitrogen |
B | Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide |
C | Ozone and carbon dioxide |
D | Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide |
Question 30 |
With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:
- A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other
- Food chains are found within the populations of a species
- A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others
A | 1 only |
B | 1 and 2 only |
C | 1, 2 and 3 |
D | None |
Question 31 |
In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 2 only |
C | 1, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 32 |
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?
A | Ecotone |
B | Ecological niche |
C | Habitat |
D | Home range |
Question 33 |
Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
A | NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight |
B | CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight |
C | CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature |
D | High concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening |
Question 34 |
Consider the following:
- Star tortoise
- Monitor lizard
- Pygmy hog
- Spider monkey
A | 1, 2 and 3 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 35 |
Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
- Arsenic
- Sorbitol
- Fluoride
- Formaldehyde
- Uranium
A | 1 and 3 only |
B | 2, 4 and 5 only |
C | 1, 3 and 5 only |
D | 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
Question 36 |
In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
A | Insects and fungi |
B | Limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients |
C | Water limits and fire |
D | None of the above |
Question 37 |
Consider the following international agreements
- The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
- The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
- The World Heritage Convention
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 38 |
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
- It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
- It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
- It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
A | 1 and 3 only |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 39 |
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
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’ |
Question 40 |
With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
- It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- 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.
A | 1 and 3 only |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 41 |
With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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) |
Question 42 |
With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
- It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 only |
C | Both 1 and 2 |
D | Neither 1 nor 2 |
Question 43 |
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- U se of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
A | 1 and 2 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 44 |
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
- Volcanic action
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Decay of organic matter
A | 1 and 3 only |
B | 2 only |
C | 1, 2 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 45 |
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. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
- Painted Stork
- Common Myna
- Black-necked Crane
A | 1 and 2 |
B | 2 only |
C | 2 and 3 |
D | 3 only |
Question 46 |
With reference to Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 only |
C | Both 1 and 2 |
D | Neither 1 nor 2 |
Question 47 |
Consider the following statements:
- Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
- National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 2 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 48 |
Consider the following pairs
Wetlands : Confluence of rivers
- Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal
- Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 49 |
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
A | biosphere reserves |
B | botanical gardens |
C | national parks |
D | wildlife sanctuaries |
Question 50 |
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 pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
- Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
- Widespread coral mortality will occur.
- All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
- Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
A | 1 only |
B | 1 and 2 only |
C | 2, 3 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 51 |
Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?
- Oxides of sulphur
- Oxides of nitrogen
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
A | 1, 3 and 4 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 4 only |
D | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Question 52 |
Which one of the following is the best description of the term ‘ecosystem’ ?
A | A community of organisms interacting with one another |
B | That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms |
C | A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live |
D | The flora and fauna of a geographical area |
Question 53 |
With reference to an organization known as 'BirdLife International', which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
- The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
- It identifies the sites known/ referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 54 |
With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a Public Limited Government Company.
- It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 only |
C | Both 1 and 2 |
D | Neither 1 nor 2 |
Question 55 |
Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?
A | Bhitarkanika National Park |
B | Keibul Lamjao National Park |
C | Keoladeo Ghana National Park |
D | Sultanpur National Park |
Question 56 |
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
Question 57 |
With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- It is found along the entire coast of India.
- It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act; 1972.
A | 1 and 2 |
B | 2 only |
C | 1 and 3 |
D | 3 only |
Question 58 |
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
A | Saltwater crocodile |
B | Olive ridley turtle |
C | Gangetic dolphin |
D | Gharial |
Question 59 |
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
A | Bretton Woods Conference |
B | Montreal Protocol |
C | Kyoto Protocol |
D | Nagoya Protocol |
Question 60 |
Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?
- It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
- It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 only |
C | Both 1 and 2 |
D | Neither 1 nor 2 |
Question 61 |
‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the
A | Asian Development Bank |
B | International Monetary Fund |
C | United Nations Environment Programme |
D | World Bank |
Question 62 |
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
A | Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 |
B | Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 |
C | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 |
D | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
Question 63 |
In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘living root bridges’ are found in
A | Meghalaya |
B | Himachal Pradesh |
C | Jharkhand |
D | Tamil Nadu |
Question 64 |
With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
- It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management.
- It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.
A | 1 only |
B | 2 and 3 only |
C | 1 and 3 only |
D | 1, 2 and 3 |
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