Q 1 . Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats, Sri Lanka and Indo Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity :
1 . Species richness
2 . Vegetation density
3 . Endemism
4 . Ethno-botanical importance
5 . Threat perception
6 . Adaption of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
(a) 1, 2 and 6
(b) 2, 4 and 6
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 6
(c) EXPLANATION : To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5 percent of the world’s total) as endemics, and it has to have lost at least 70 percent of its original habitat.
Q 2 . The Himalayan range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon ?
(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth
(b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
(d) It has less human interference.
(b) EXPLANATION : Himalayas and its adjoining areas are marked as a confluence of several biogeographical realms.
Q 3 . There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
1 . Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2 . Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3 . Upwelling in the seas.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) EXPLANATION : Algae multiply rapidly when nutrients are present. So, discharge of nutrients favour algae and subsequently algal bloom growth, from estuaries to sea. The run off from the land during the monsoon bring salts which favours the growth of algae. Upwelling of the sea water brings the nutrients to top level leading to rapid algae multiplication.
Q 4 . With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts :
1 . Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2 . Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3 . Customs Act, 1962
4 . Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country ?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2,3 and 4 only
(c) 1,2,3 and 4
(d) None of the above Acts
(c)
Q 5 . Consider the following:
1 . Carbon dioxide
2 . Oxides of Nitrogen
3 . Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) EXPLANATION : Coal combustion at thermal power plants release all of the given products like CO2, NOx and SOx.
Q 6 . How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
1 . NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2 . NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3 . Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) EXPLANATION : National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) checks the biopiracy and protects the indigeneous and traditional genetic resources. Intellectual property Rights related to genetic biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Q 7 . With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1 . It is an initiative of the European Union.
2 . It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3 . It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) EXPLANATION : EuropeAid (DG for International Cooperation and Development) drives and oversees the overall implementation of the GCCA.
Q 8 . Consider the following statements:
1 . Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative
of G20 group of countries.
2 . The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
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
(b) EXPLANATION : CCAC was formed in 2012 by UNEP and Ghana, Bangladesh etc. countries. They focus on Short Lived Climate Pollutants such as methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Q 9 . Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?
(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d) None of the above
(b) EXPLANATION : This plant is a native of Mexico, and spread throughout India . It’s an aggressive colonizer, common weed of wastelands, scrublands and degraded forests. It is an invasive alien species , so it reduces biodiversity in the area.
Q 10 . Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?
(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(c) Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(a) EXPLANATION : Studies have shown that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide increase photosynthesis, spurring plant growth .
