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 Western Ghats:
1. Western Ghats is one of the eight hotspots of biological
diversity in the world.
2. Western Ghats is older than the Himalaya mountains.
3. Western Ghats traverses through only five states in India.
4. The peak of Anamudi in Tamil Nadu is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All five
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight hotspots
of biological diversity in the world. According to UNESCO, the Western
Ghats are older than the Himalayas. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are
correct.
Western Ghats traverses the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. - Anamudi is a mountain located in Ernakulam district and Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and in South India. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
2. Which of these ecosystems would sequester most carbon for a given unit of area?
(a) Grassland
(b) Saltmarsh
(c) Mature tropical forests
(d) Bare soil
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Saltmarshes are one of the key coastal ‘blue carbon’ habitats, recognised for their ability to store carbon within above- and below-ground biomass and sediments. Saltmarshes sequester carbon at a rate two to four times greater than that recorded for mature tropical forests. Hence, option (b) is correct.
3. Many countries are aiming to achieve a net-zero emission scenario by the middle of the century. Consider the following statements regarding net-zero emission:
1. Net-zero emission mean that a country would bring down its
greenhouse gas emissions to near zero.
2. The net-zero goal does not figure in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
3. Net-zero emission can be achieved by creating more carbon sinks such as
forests and relying on futuristic technologies such as carbon capture and
storage.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- Several other countries, including the UK and France, have already enacted laws promising to achieve a net-zero emission scenario by the middle of the century. Even China has promised to go net-zero by 2060. Net-zero, which is also referred to as carbon-neutrality, does not mean that a country would bring down its emissions to zero. Rather, net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Absorption of the emissions can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests, while removal of gases from the atmosphere requires futuristic technologies such as carbon capture and storage. The net-zero goal does not figure in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the new global architecture to fight climate change. The Paris Agreement only requires every signatory to take the best climate action it can. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct.
4. Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world. Consider the following:
1. Batteries of motor vehicles
2. Paints
3. Cosmetics and traditional medicines
4. Ceramic glazes
5. Smelting
How many of the above can contribute to Lead pollution?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.
- Important sources of environmental contamination include mining, smelting, manufacturing and recycling activities, and, in some countries, the continued use of leaded paint, leaded gasoline, and leaded aviation fuel. More than three quarters of global lead consumption is for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles. Lead is, however, also used in many other products, for example pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewellery, toys and in some cosmetics and traditional medicines. Drinking water delivered through lead pipes or pipes joined with lead solder may contain lead. Much of the lead in global commerce is now obtained from recycling. Hence, option (d) is correct.
5. Consider the following statements:
1. Phytoplankton are the foundation of the aquatic food web
as the primary producers, and they help absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.
2. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and play a vital role in transfer of
organic matter from primary producers to secondary consumers.
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: (C)
Explanation:
- Phytoplankton are the foundation of the aquatic food web as the primary producers.
- Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and play a vital role in food web of the food chain, nutrient recycling, and in transfer of organic matter from primary producers to secondary consumers like fishes.
Hence, both statements are correct.
