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Daily-static-mcqs 21 Sep 2024

Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Environment & Ecology 21 Sep 2024

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Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Environment & Ecology

Q1:

In the context of Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:

1 It is the home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

2. It is located in Assam.

3. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Kaziranga National Park is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, which is one of the most endangered species in the world. The park is home to about 2,400 rhinos which is about two-thirds of the world's population. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam in India. The park is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains, and it is home to a wide variety of other animals, including tigers, elephants and swamp deer. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The park is recognized for its unique ecosystem and its importance for the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros. Hence, statement 3 is correct.


                            

Q2:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are home to a large number of endemic species.

2. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are also home to a large number of endangered species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 only

B: 2 only

C: Both 1 and 2

D: Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are two of the world's biodiversity hotspots. This means that they are home to a large number of species that are found nowhere else in the world. They are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri tahr and the Malabar civet. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are also home to a large number of endangered species. This is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, hunting and the illegal pet trade. The Eastern Himalayas are a mountain range that runs along the eastern border of India. They are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including the snow leopard, the red panda and the clouded leopard. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


                            

Q3:

Consider the following statements about phytoplankton:

1. They are the primary producers in the marine ecosystem.

2. They are responsible for producing more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere.

3. They are a major food source for zooplankton.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Phytoplankton are microscopic plant-like organisms that float in the water and are the primary producers in the marine ecosystem. They play a crucial role in converting sunlight, carbon dioxide and nutrients into organic matter through photosynthesis. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


Phytoplankton are significant contributors to Earth's oxygen production. They produce a substantial amount of oxygen through photosynthesis, estimated to be more than half of the total oxygen released into the atmosphere. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


Phytoplankton are essential primary producers and form the basis of the marine food chain, they are not a direct food source for zooplankton. Instead, phytoplankton are consumed by zooplankton which are small aquatic animals that feed on them and other microorganisms. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.


                            

Q4:

With reference to Zooplankton, consider the following pairs:

Copepods

Small crustaceans that are a major food source for fish.

Radiolarians

Single-celled organisms that have a complex skeleton made of silica.

Diatoms

Single-celled algae that have a hard outer shell made of silica.

Jellyfish

Marine animals that are a type of zooplankton.

 

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: Only Three

D: All four

Answer: B

Explanation:

Copepods are indeed small crustaceans that belong to the zooplankton group and are an essential food source for many marine animals, including fish. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.


Radiolarians are single-celled zooplanktonic organisms that have intricate skeletons made of silica, which gives them a distinctive appearance. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.


Diatoms are not zooplankton; they are actually phytoplankton. They are single-celled algae that have hard outer shells made of silica. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.


While jellyfish are marine animals, they are not classified as zooplankton. Instead, jellyfish are part of the gelatinous zooplankton group, also known as gelata. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.


                            

Q5:

Consider the following statements:

1. The vaquita is a critically endangered species of porpoise that is found in the Gulf of California.

2. The vaquita is the smallest marine mammal in the world.

3. The vaquita is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and illegal fishing.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: C

Explanation:

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is indeed a critically endangered species of porpoise, and its habitat is limited to the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


The vaquita holds the distinction of being the smallest marine mammal in the world. It is relatively small in size compared to other cetaceans, with adult individuals reaching lengths of up to about 5 feet (1.5 meters). Hence, statement 2 is correct.


The vaquita population has drastically declined due to various threats, including habitat loss from gillnet fishing, pollution, and illegal fishing activities. The use of gillnets, which are fishing nets that can unintentionally trap and drown vaquitas, is a significant threat to their survival. Hence, statement 3 is correct.