Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) is located in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) is located in Wayanad, Kerala and covers an area of 344 square kilometers. It is home to elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bisons, deer, bears, etc. The sanctuary is one of the safest havens for different species of vultures like the White-rumped Vultures and the Red-headed Vultures. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
2. What is the direction of flow of energy in an ecosystem?
[A] Unidirectional
[B] Bidirectional
[C] Multidirectional
[D] Cyclic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Unidirectional ]
Notes:
The energy enters the plants from the sun through the photosynthesis process. This energy is then passed on from one organism to another in a food chain. The flow of energy in the ecosystem is unidirectional because the energy lost as heat from the living organisms of a food chain cannot be reused by plants in photosynthesis. During the transfer of energy through successive trophic levels in an ecosystem, there is a loss of energy all along the path.
3. Which among the following states in India has maximum number of protected areas viz. Wild life sanctuaries and National Parks?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The state of Madhya Pradesh has the maximum numbers of national parks. MP has six Tiger Reserves i.e. Kanha, Pench, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Panna and Sanjay. Madhya Pradesh is followed by Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand and West Bengal. MP is planning to add 11 more protected areas.
4. Eutrophication is due to lack of oxygen and severe reductions in water quality, fish, and other animal populations which ultimately destroys the particular ecosystem. The main reason behind this is ____?
[A] Increased pollution in water bodies
[B] Increased chemical nutrients and compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus
[C] increased microbes and parasitic organism in stagnant water
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Increased chemical nutrients and compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus]
Notes:
Eutrophication is when a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which impetus to excessive growth of algae. It causes oxygen depletion of the water body. Due to this problem algal bloom occurs which is the increase of phytoplankton.
5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is the only Elephant Reserve of which of the following states?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Bhadra Wildlife Santuary is situated inthe state of Karnataka (Chikamagaluru district). It was formerly known as Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’ in 1951. In 1974, it was renamed as Bhadra Wildlife Santuary.
6. The Cartagena Protocol is regarding safe use, transfer and handling of:
[A] Nuclear waste
[B] Invasive Alien Species
[C] Living Modified Organisms(LMOs)
[D] Toxic bye-products and industrial effluents
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Living Modified Organisms(LMOs)]
Notes:
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted on 29 January 2000 as a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity and entered into force on 11 September 2003. It is an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
7. Which among the following awards institued by the Government of India for individuals or communities from rural areas that have shown extraordinary courage and dedication in protecting Wildlife?
[A] Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar
[B] Medini Puruskar Yojana
[C] Amrita Devi Bishnoi Award
[D] Pitambar Pant National Award
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Amrita Devi Bishnoi Award]
Notes:
This award is given for significant contribution in the field of wildlife protection, which is recognised as having shown exemplary courage or having done exemplary work for the protection of wildlife. A cash award of Rupees One lakh is presented to individuals/institutions involved in wildlife protection.
8. The ‘Montreaux Record’ is a register of:
[A] Invasive Alien Species and their ecological hazards outside their native environment.
[B] Wetland sites under the threat of anthropogenic activities.
[C] Endangered species of tropical and sub-tropical fauna
[D] Coastal cities under direct threat of consequences of global warming.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Wetland sites under the threat of anthropogenic activities. ]
Notes:
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites under the threat of anthropogenic activities (on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance). Presently 48 sites are listed in Montreux Record.
9. The researchers have discovered a new greenhouse gas called perfluorotributylamine (PFBTA), which has highest impact on global warming to date. In which among the following industries, PFBTA has been in use ?
[A] Electrical industry
[B] Automobile industry
[C] Petroleum industry
[D] Mining industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Electrical industry ]
Notes:
The researchers have discovered a new greenhouse gas called perfluorotributylamine (PFBTA), which has highest impact on global warming to date. It is used in electrical industry. It is colorless.
10. Ultraviolet radiation striking the earth is due to the depletion of which of the following?
[A] Oxygen
[B] Ozone
[C] Carbon Dioxide
[D] Carbon Monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ozone]
Notes:
It has been recognized for several decades that the release of chlorofluorocarbons and other atmospheric pollutants depletes stratospheric ozone, which in turn increases human exposure to ultraviolet radiation, causing skin cancer and cataracts.
