Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Subject : Environment & Ecology
1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Pond Ecosystem:
1. Ponds are generally found in almost all the villages of
India.
2. The vegetation in a pond consists of floating weeds and rooted vegetation on
the periphery, which are in turn eaten by birds such as kingfishers, herons, and
birds of prey.
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:
- Ponds are indeed generally found in almost all the villages of India. They can be temporary ponds that have water only during the monsoon season or larger tanks (lakes) that maintain an aquatic ecosystem throughout the year. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The vegetation in a pond includes both floating weeds and rooted vegetation on the periphery. The roots of the vegetation are submerged in the muddy floor under the water, while their foliage emerges out of the surface of the water. This vegetation serves as a food source for various birds such as kingfishers, herons, and birds of prey. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
2. In the context of Red Tide, consider the following statements:
1. It is a common name for a phenomenon in which certain
phytoplankton species bloom and cause the water to appear discolored.
2. Red Tide blooms can appear greenish, brown or reddish orange, depending on
the type of organism, the type of water and the concentration of organisms.
3. Red Tide blooms are always harmful and associated with tides.
How many statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- Red Tide is a commonly used term to describe a phenomenon where certain species of phytoplankton experience a rapid population growth or bloom, leading to the water appearing discolored. The term "Red Tide" is a misnomer because the blooms can have various colors, including greenish, brown, or reddish orange. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Red Tide blooms can indeed appear greenish, brown, or reddish orange, depending on factors such as the specific phytoplankton species involved, the characteristics of the water and the concentration of the organisms. The pigments present in the phytoplankton contribute to the observed discoloration of the water. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Red Tide blooms are not always harmful and they are not specifically associated with tides. While some species of phytoplankton in a Red Tide bloom may produce toxins that can be harmful to marine life and humans, not all blooms are dangerous. Some species may be harmful even at low cell concentrations without causing noticeable water discoloration. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
3. What is the main objective of the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety?
(a) To promote the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity
(b) To establish rules and procedures for the safe handling and use of Living
Modified Organisms (LMOs)
(c) To balance public health against economic benefits
(d) To govern the movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) resulting from
modern biotechnology
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The main objective of the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety is to ensure an adequate level of protection in the field of safer transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology. It aims to prevent adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account risks to health. The Protocol promotes bio-safety by establishing rules and procedures for the safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs. The protocol aims to prevent adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, its main objective is focused on bio-safety rather than the promotion of conservation and sustainable use. Balancing public health against economic benefits is mentioned as a consideration. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
4. The phenomenon of increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain is known as:
(a) Biosparging
(b) Biodilution
(c) Biomagnification
(d) Bioaccumulation
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Biomagnification, also known as bioamplification or biological magnification, is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. Hence, option (c) is correct.
5. Consider the following statements regarding Arctic haze:
1. Arctic haze is the phenomenon of a visible reddish-brown
springtime haze in the atmosphere at high latitudes in the Arctic.
2. The occurrence of Arctic haze has been mainly due to cosmic radiation from
Van Allen Radiation belts.
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: Arctic haze is the phenomenon of a visible reddish-brown springtime haze in the atmosphere at high latitudes in the Arctic due to anthropogenic air pollution. A major distinguishing factor of Arctic haze is the ability of its chemical ingredients to persist in the atmosphere for significantly longer than other pollutants. Due to limited amounts of snow, rain, or turbulent air to displace pollutants from the polar air mass in spring, Arctic haze can linger for more than a month in the northern atmosphere. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
