UPSC Ecology & Environment Test 4 (Old Year Questions)

Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of

1. Its escape into the outer stratosphere.

2. The photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.

3. The trapping of air in the polar ice caps.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.

2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the .

1. Decomposer microorganism to the surface.

2. Nutrients to the surface.

3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

What is/are the importance/ importances of the ‘United Convention to Combat Desertification’?

1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships

2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.

3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because

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:

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?

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect

1. bacteria

2. fungi

3. plants

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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?

Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.

2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.

3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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?

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.

2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.

3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource (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.

Consider the following statements:

1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:

1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4. Pollination of crops
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?

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. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
   Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to