Q1. Within biological communities, some species are important in determining the ability of a large number of other species to persist in the community. Such species are called
(a) Keystone species
(b) Allopatric species
(c) Sympatric species
(d) Threatened species
(a) EXPLANATION : A keystone species is a species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and whose impact in the community is greater than would be expected based on its relative abundance or total biomass.
Q2 . Consider the following statements:
1 . Salt-water crocodile is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2 . Shrew and tapir are found in the Western Ghats of the Malabar region.
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
(a) EXPLANATION : In India salt water crocodile is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it can grow up to 6-7 mt long existing from Srilanka to Papua New Guinea, North Australia and Soloman Islands.
Q3 . Consider the following statements :
1 . The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation.
2 . A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna.
3 . In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted.
Which of the statements given above is / correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) EXPLANATION : The fix boundary of national park is described in Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and the actual area of the national park is notified by state government. A biosphere reserve conserves an ecosystem and not just few specific species of plants and animals.
Q4 . Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere :
1 . Soot
2 . Sulphur hexafluoride
3 . Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) EXPLANATION : Ambient temperature simply means “the temperature of the surroundings” and will be the same as room temperature. Indoor the common range is 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (80 °F). Similarly, ambient pressure on an object is the pressure of the surrounding medium, such as a gas or liquid, which comes into contact with the object. The soot, sulphur hexaflouride, and water vapour all three can be found at ambient atmosphere which corresponds to ambient temperature and pressure, and subsequently warming up of atmosphere.
Q5 . The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole ?
(a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
(b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons.
(d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.
(b) EXPLANATION : The nitric acid in polar stratospheric clouds reacts with CFCs to form chlorine, which catalyzes the photochemical destruction of ozone.
Q 6 . Consider the following :
1 . Photosynthesis
2 . Respiration.
3 . Decay of organic matter
4 . Volcanic action.
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on earth ?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4
(c) EXPLANATION : Photosynthesis by plants removes about 120 billion tons of carbon from the air per year, but plant decomposition returns about the same amount. When the organic matter is oxidized through respiration, the reverse of photosynthesis takes place. Respiration releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Respiration and photosynthesis occur at nearly equal rates over one year. Volcanic eruptions and metamorphism release gases into the atmosphere. Volcanic gases are primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
Q7 . The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of ?
1 . Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2 . Threatened plant and animal species.
3 . Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
(b) EXPLANATION : The red data book contains only lists of threatened plant and animal species.
Q8 . The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
1 . Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21.
2 . Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1).
3 . Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243 (A).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) EXPLANATION : The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with the Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Art. 21.
Q9 . Consider the following protected areas:
1 . Bandipur
2 . Bhitarkanika
3 . Manas
4 . Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) l, 2, 3 and 4
(b) EXPLANATION : Bandipur, Manas and Sunderbans are declared Tiger Reserves
Q10 . Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
1 . Global warming
2 . Fragmentation of habitat
3 . Invasion of alien species
4 . Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) EXPLANATION : Except promotion of vegetarianism all other acts are threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area.
