Q 1 . Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
1 . It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2 . It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3 . It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) EXPLANATION : Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Q 2 . Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
(a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
(b) Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
(c) Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
(d) Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms
(a) EXPLANATION : Diatoms are autotrophs which prepare their own food. Crustaceans are herbivorous animals which feed on diatoms. Crustaceans are members of zooplankons and are eaten by Herring fish when small. Herrings are carnivorous animals which feed on Crustaceans.
Q 3 . If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a
result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
(a) EXPLANATION : The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring,or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
Q 4 . With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :
1 . It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2 . It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3 . It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) EXPLANATION : The Bombay Natural History Society is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Q 5 . With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(a) EXPLANATION : It is an independent financial organization which works with countries on environmental issues.
Q 6 . Consider the following pairs :
1 . Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2 . Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3 . Saramati Peak : Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Dampa Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Mizoram. Saramati peak is in Nagaland. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is famous wildlife reserve in Tripura.
Q 7 . With reference to a conservation organization called “Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/ are correct?
1 . It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar
Convention.
2 . It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to
advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) EXPLANATION : This organization is in partnership but not formed by Ramsar convention. The organization was formed in 1954 and Ramsar convention was signed in 1971. “Wetlands International” works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Q 8 . Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
1 . Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2 . Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3 . Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4 . Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) EXPLANATION : The construction of dams and barrages on rivers, getting trapped in fishing nets accidently and use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in cropfields near the rivers are the reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges river Dolphins.
Q 9 . Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
1 . Volcanic action
2 . Respiration
3 . Photosynthesis
4 . Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) EXPLANATION : Volcanic action, Respiration and decay of organic matter adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth. However, photosynthesis uses Carbon dioxide to produce food.
Q 10 . If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses.
Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
1 . Painted Stork
2 . Common Myna
3 . Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
(b) Common Myna are birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. The common myna is readily identified by the brown body, black hooded head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye.
