Answer: B

Explanation:

Mesophytes are spread over a large area on the land surface. These are terrestrial plants that grow in moist habitats and require aerated soil. These plants prefer soil and air with light humidity and avoid waterlogged water or excess salts. In some aspects their place is between hydrophytes and xerophytes. These broad-leafed trees which grow on the banks of moist ponds, lakes and rivers are called Mesophytes. Generally, the specific structural and physiological adaptations found in hydrophyte and xerophyte plants are not found in them. The general morphological and physiological characteristics of Mesophytes are as follows:

(1) The root system is fully developed. The roots are branched, with root cap and root hairs.

(2) Stems are generally aerial, solid and branched.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Many wild animal and bird species are listed in various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Similarly, these species are also classified under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, CITES and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The categories of species under these legal instruments are: insects, reptiles, fishes, birds and mammals.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted at a meeting of the members of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in the year 1963. The text of the convention was finally agreed upon at a meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington, DC, United States, on 3 March 1973, and CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975. The original of the Convention was deposited with the Depositary Government in the English, French and Spanish languages, each version being equally authentic. The Convention is also available in Chinese and Russian. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Stratospheric Ozone is a natural layer of ozone that protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. It is found 6 to 30 miles above the earth's surface. Ground-level ozone, also called tropospheric ozone, is formed by the interaction of man-made and natural emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. It is found at ground level. The primary components of photochemical smog are NOX, VOCs, ozone (O) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Photochemical smog is a term used to describe air pollution that results from the reaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. Where ozone in the stratosphere is protected from harmful UV While it protects the earth from radiation, ozone at the ground level is dangerous for human health. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The amount of water vapor present in the air is called humidity. Humidity is the most variable characteristic of the atmosphere. It is a major factor in climate and weather. Humidity is affected by the intensity of solar radiation, temperature, altitude, wind, vegetation and soil water level. High temperature increases the ability to absorb moisture from the air and reduces relative humidity. Low temperatures increase relative humidity by reducing the air's ability to hold moisture. Relative humidity is measured by psychrometer or paper strip hygrometer or thermohydrograph instrument. Hence option (c) is correct.