ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY

1. 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?

a. 1 only 

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2 

d. Neither 1 nor 2

2. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats – Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of bio-diversity.

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?

a. 1, 2 and 6 

b. 2, 4 and 6

c. 1, 3 and 5

d. 3, 4 and 6

3. 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:

a. 1,2 and 3 only

b. 2,3 and 4 only

c. 1 and 4 only 

d. 1,2,3 and 4

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

a. Biosphere Reserves

b. Botanical Garden

c. National Park

d. Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this field?

a. Andhra Pradesh

b. Arunachal Pradesh

c. Madhya Pradesh

d. Uttar Pradesh

6. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

a. Indian wild buffalo

b. Indian wild ass

c. Indian wild boar

d. Indian Gazelle

7. The “Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (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 & natural resources in various countries.

Which of the statement given above is / are correct?

a. 1 & 3 

b. 2 only

c. 2 & 3 

d. 3 only

8. In the context of eco-system productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the

1. Decomposer microorganisms to the surface.

2. Nutrients to the surface.

3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a. 1 and 2 

b. 2 only

c. 2 and 3 

d. 3 only

9. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?

a. The mangroves swaps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out

b. The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.

c. The mangroves trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami

d. The mangroves trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

10. 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

11. 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.

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

a. the soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients

b. propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability

c. the rain forest species are slow-growing

d. exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest.

13. When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it generally dries up and dies because

a. Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts.

b. Roots are starved of energy

c. Tree is infected by soil microbes

d. Roots do not receive oxygen for respiration

                                                      

14. Consider the following:

1. Photosynthesis

2. Respiration

3. Decay of organic matter

4. Volcanic action

Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

a. 1 and 4 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 2,3 and 4 only 

d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

15. 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

16. 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?

a. Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chloro-fluorocarbons

b. Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chloro-fluorocarbons

c. Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chloro-fluorocarbons.

d. Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming

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

a. The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

b. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota

c. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon emission quota

d. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

 

18. 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 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

19. Recently, ‘oil zapper’ was in the news. What is it?

a. It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oil sludge and oil spills.

b. It is the latest technology developed for under-sea oil exploration.

c. It is a genetically engineered high biofuel yielding maize variety.

d. It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused flames from oil wells.

20. Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and bio-diversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

a. Bhitarkanika

b. Chandipur-on-sea

c. Gopalpur-on-sea

d. Simlipal