Q 1 . With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1 . Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2 . The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
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
(d) EXPLANATION : Eco-sensitive zones are ecological important area under environment protection Act 1986 around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries prohibiting resting certain human activities in the zone.
Q 2 . Consider the following statements :
1 . Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2 . National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3 . National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) EXPLANATION : The Animal Welfare Board of India was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The National Tiger Conservation Authority is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests and is a statutory body. National Ganga River Basin Authority was established by the Central Government of India, on 20 February 2009. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority.
Q 3 . Which of the following have coral reefs?
1 . Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2 . Gulf of Kachchh
3 . Gulf of Mannar
4 . Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) EXPLANATION : Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. Andaman and Nicobar, Gulf of Kachchh and Gulf of Mannar have coral reefs. Sunderbans do not have coral reef.
Q 4 . In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
1 . Terrace cultivation
2 . Deforestation
3 . Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) EXPLANATION : In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with deforestataion. Terrace cultivation helps in less erosion of soil.
Q 5 . The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
(a) EXPLANATION : Biosphere reserves are established under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Biosphere Reserves Combine Protected areas with zones where sustainable development is nurtured by native dwellers.
Q 6 . The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C above the preindustrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1 . Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2 . Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3 . All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4 . Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b)
Q 7 . Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
(a) algae and bacteria
(b) algae and fungi
(c) bacteria and fungi
(d) fungi and mosses
(b) EXPLANATION : In organisms called lichens, a chlorophy containing partner, which is an alga, and a fungus live together. Fungus provides shelter, water and minerals to the alga and, in return, the alga provides food which it prepares by photosynthesis.
Q 8 . Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?
1 . Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3 . Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) EXPLANATION : In steel furnace coke reacts with iron to release pollutants like Oxides of sulphur, Oxides of nitrogen, Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide.
Q 9 . Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/ festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Gond and Korku
(c) Irula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya
(b) EXPLANATION : The festival starts with the green march celebrating the beginning of the rains and new sowing season during which planting of sapling of fruit bearing trees is done on mass scale.
Q 10 . In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines
(d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel
(b) EXPLANATION : The seeds of cluster bean is the source of shale gas. The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas. Generally the cluster bean is used as vegetable or animal feed.
