Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Subject : Environment & Ecology
1. Consider the following statements regarding Persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
1. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds
that are resistant to degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic
processes.
2. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) do not travel longer distances and are
concentrated in the locality where they are released.
3. Most POPs are pesticides or insecticides, and some are industrial chemicals.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds that are resistant to degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. They are toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world. Because they can be transported by wind and water, most POPs generated in one country can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released. Most POPs are pesticides or insecticides, and some are also solvents, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Some of the “dirty dozen” POPs identified by the Stockholm Convention include aldrin, chlordane, heptachlor, DDT and dioxins. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
2. Which of the following factors can lead to coral bleaching?
1. Water pollution and significant salinity changes
2. Higher sedimentation in the water bodies
3. Increased UV radiation
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- The whitening of coral colonies due to the loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae from the tissues of polyps is called as Coral Bleaching.
- Zooxanthellae are unicellular algae that provide colour to corals. They also provide food to corals and their deaths lead to breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between them. This breakdown of symbiotic relationship causes starvation and resultant deaths of coral polyps. This condition exposes the white calcium carbonate skeletons of the coral colony. There are several stresses or environmental changes that may cause bleaching. These causes include disease, excess shade, increased levels of ultraviolet radiation, sedimentation, pollution, salinity changes, and increased temperatures etc. Hence, all are correct.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Phosphorus and Phosphorus Cycle:
1. Phosphorus cycle is largely atmospheric and easily
dissolves in water from air.
2. Phosphorus occurs as a mineral in phosphate rocks and enters the Phosphorus
cycle from erosion and mining activities.
3. Phosphorus is responsible for excessive growth of rooted and free-floating
microscopic plants in water bodies.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Phosphorous cycle is mainly terrestrial. The main storage for phosphorus is in the earth’s crust. On land phosphorus is usually found in the form of phosphates. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- It occurs in large amounts as a mineral in phosphate rocks and enters the cycle from erosion and mining activities. By the process of weathering and erosion phosphates enter rivers and streams that transport them to the ocean. Being an important nutrient, phosphorous promotes eutrophication in lakes. Along with nitrogen related compounds it leads to undesirable situations like algal bloom. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct.
4. Consider the following statements regarding Alpha and beta diversity:
1. Alpha diversity is the diversity within an ecosystem which
is generally described as the number of species.
2. Beta diversity is the geographic diversity which refers to the total
diversity of a region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- Alpha is the diversity within an ecosystem which is generally described as the number of species. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Beta diversity involves the comparison of different ecosystems in environmental gradients, for example, in a mountainous area within a coastal area. Beta diversity shows us the size of the change of species from one ecosystem to another. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Gamma diversity refers to the total diversity of a region, i.e. the geographic diversity. It is the sum of the alpha diversity of various ecosystems.
5. Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are majorly released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
How many of the above options are correct?
(a) Only four
(b) Only five
(c) Only six
(d) All of the above
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Heptachor is an insecticide. Plutonium is radioactive and hence not used in day to day computer/electronic items. Hence, option (b) is correct.
