Q 1 . What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1 . It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater.
2 . It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3 . It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) EXPLANATION : These camels can swim up to three kilometers into the sea in search of mangroves . Most families in Jatt and Rabari communities of Kachchh, are traditional rearers of Kharai camels. Kharai camels found in the Kutch region are very unique. They can can swim through deep sea waters and it feeds on mangroves and other saline plants. Given the breed’s ability to survive both on land and sea, the Kharai camel is one of the most preferred choices of graziers in the arid coastal region of Kachchh. People consume its milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns (females are not sold because they are considered sacred). It can be domesticated also – so its not wild.
Q 2 . With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1 . It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2 . It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
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 : Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names Red Sanders, Red Sandalwood, and saunderswood, is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red color of its wood. The wood is not aromatic. Red Sanders is associated with Tropical dry deciduous forest.
Q 3 . The term M-STRIPES is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
(b) EXPLANATION : National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is planning to implement a new computerized tiger monitoring protocol in all tiger reserves of the country known as Monitoring System for Tiger, Intensive Patrolling and Ecological Status (MSTrIPES).
Q 4 . In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
(a) EXPLANATION : Tiger is given as Schedule I animal.
Q 5 . According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
1 . Gharial
2 . Indian wild ass
3 . Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d)
Q 6 . If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) DeeporBeel
(b) Gharials are river dwelling fish-eaters and their only viable population is in the Chambal Sanctuary.
Q 7 . From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
(a) The Eastern and Western Ghats Meet at Nilgiri hills. Nilgiri hills are in Karnataka and Tamilnadu.
Q 8 . Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(d) Sultanpur National Park
(b) EXPLANATION : The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park located in Manipur. It is 40 km in area and the only floating park in the world which is located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake.
Q 9 . With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1 . IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2 . IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3 . CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) EXPLANATION : IUCN is not an organ of UN. It has observer and consultative status at the United Nations.
Q 10 . With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1 . It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2 . It is found along the entire coast of India.
3 . It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
(c) EXPLANATION : The dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal. Dugong is listed under schedule 1 of India Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The highest level of legal protection is accorded to dugongs in India.
