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Daily-static-mcqs 31 Aug 2024

Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Environment & Ecology 31 Aug 2024

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

Q1:

With reference to sustainable mining, consider the following pairs:

 

Reclamation

Restoring mined areas to a productive state

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Evaluating the potential environmental consequences of mining projects

Maximum Sustainable Yield

Extracting minerals at the highest possible rate to maximize profit

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A: Only one pair

B: Only two pairs

C: All three pairs

D: None of the pairs

Answer: C

Explanation:

Sustainable mining refers to the practice of extracting minerals while considering environmental, social and economic aspects to ensure the long-term viability of mining activities.


Reclamation is an essential aspect of sustainable mining, where mining companies work to restore the mined areas to a productive state or return them to a condition suitable for other uses after the mining operations have concluded. This process involves activities like re-vegetation, soil stabilization and ecosystem restoration. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.


Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial tool in sustainable mining practices. It involves a systematic evaluation of the potential environmental impacts that a mining project may have, including on the surrounding ecosystems, water bodies, air quality, and local communities. The EIA process helps in identifying and mitigating potential adverse effects before the mining project begins. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.


Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is a concept more commonly associated with fisheries management. It refers to the maximum amount of a renewable resource (such as fish) that can be harvested without compromising its future availability. In the context of mining, the idea of extracting minerals at the highest possible rate for maximum profit may conflict with the principles of sustainable mining, which prioritize responsible resource management and conservation. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.


                            

Q2:

Consider the following advantages of in-situ conservation:

1. It helps in maintaining ecosystem integrity and balance.

2. It allows for sustainable use of natural resources.

Which of the advantages given above is/are correct?

A: 1 only

B: 2 only

C: Both 1 and 2

D: Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Ecosystem integrity refers to the ability of an ecosystem to function properly. This includes the ability to maintain its structure, composition, and processes. Ecosystem balance refers to the equilibrium between the different components of an ecosystem. In-situ conservation helps to maintain ecosystem integrity and balance by protecting the natural habitat of species. This allows species to interact with each other and their environment in a way that is natural to them. This helps to ensure that the ecosystem functions properly and that the species within the ecosystem are able to survive and thrive. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


Sustainable use of natural resources means using them in a way that ensures that they will be available for future generations. In-situ conservation helps to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources by protecting the ecosystems that provide these resources. For example, in-situ conservation of forests helps to ensure that we have a sustainable supply of timber and other forest products. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


                            

Q3:

Consider the following statements:

1. Crop rotation is a method used to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.

2. Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

3. Integrated Farming System involves the combination of crops and livestock to maximize resource utilization and optimize farm productivity.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Crop rotation is a method of growing different crops in succession on the same land to maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. Crop rotation helps to reduce the build-up of pests and diseases, as well as the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


Sustainable agriculture is a system of agricultural production that seeks to balance the three pillars of sustainability: economic viability, environmental integrity and social justice. Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an agricultural practice that combines crop production, livestock rearing and aquaculture in a way that maximizes resource utilization and optimizes farm productivity. IFS helps to improve soil fertility, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers and increase the resilience of farms to pests and diseases. Hence, statement 3 is correct.


                            

Q4:

Consider the following statements:

1. Crop rotation involves the practice of growing the same crop in the same field year after year to maximize yield.

2. Sustainable agriculture promotes the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop productivity.

3. The Integrated Farming System integrates different agricultural practices to achieve ecological and economic sustainability.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: D

Explanation:

Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same field in a planned sequence. This helps to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases and it also helps to improve the fertility of the soil. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.


Sustainable agriculture is a system of agriculture that seeks to produce food and other agricultural products in a way that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable. It does not promote the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.


Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a system of agriculture that integrates different agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, livestock rearing and aquaculture to achieve ecological and economic sustainability. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.


                            

Q5:

Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority:

1. It is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

2. The authority is responsible for regulating access to biological resources and associated knowledge.

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 National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in India. The primary purpose of creating the NBA is to regulate and protect the country's biodiversity and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and knowledge. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in India is responsible for regulating access to biological resources and associated knowledge. The NBA ensures that the access to India's rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge related to biological resources is carried out in a fair and equitable manner, protecting the rights of local communities and indigenous people. Hence, statement 2 is correct.