Environment Awareness Quiz

1. Which of the following is used in vermicomposting?

Honey bee

Earthworm

Leech

Spider

Earthworms are used in vermicomposting, a process that involves the breakdown of organic matter to produce vermicompost, a highly nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Earthworms are efficient decomposers, consuming various organic materials such as vegetable scraps, leaves, and manure, which they then excrete as castings. These worm castings are rich in nutrients, making them an excellent amendment for enhancing soil health and fertility. Vermicomposting not only helps in waste reduction but also promotes sustainable gardening practices by recycling organic waste into valuable compost.

Explanation

Earthworms are used in vermicomposting, a process that involves the breakdown of organic matter to produce vermicompost, a highly nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Earthworms are efficient decomposers, consuming various organic materials such as vegetable scraps, leaves, and manure, which they then excrete as castings. These worm castings are rich in nutrients, making them an excellent amendment for enhancing soil health and fertility. Vermicomposting not only helps in waste reduction but also promotes sustainable gardening practices by recycling organic waste into valuable compost.

2. The main source of water pollution is

Rain Water

Sewage Water

Atmospheric Pollution

Well Water

Sewage water is the main source of water pollution, particularly in urban areas. It consists of wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. Without proper treatment, when this water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or oceans, it can lead to significant environmental degradation. Sewage contains a variety of pollutants including bacteria, viruses, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and chemicals that can cause eutrophication (excessive growth of algae) and harm aquatic life. The release of untreated or inadequately treated sewage water contributes to the degradation of water quality, poses health risks to humans and animals, and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Effective sewage treatment and management are crucial for protecting water bodies from pollution.

Explanation

Sewage water is the main source of water pollution, particularly in urban areas. It consists of wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. Without proper treatment, when this water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or oceans, it can lead to significant environmental degradation. Sewage contains a variety of pollutants including bacteria, viruses, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and chemicals that can cause eutrophication (excessive growth of algae) and harm aquatic life. The release of untreated or inadequately treated sewage water contributes to the degradation of water quality, poses health risks to humans and animals, and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Effective sewage treatment and management are crucial for protecting water bodies from pollution.

3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle can conserve our...

Environment

Food

Climate

Oxygen

The principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle play a crucial role in conserving our environment. These practices help minimize waste in landfills, reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and save energy. Reducing consumption leads to fewer materials being produced and less energy being used in manufacturing processes. Reusing items extends the life of products, reducing the need for new materials and decreasing waste. Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources, further reducing the need for raw materials, saving energy, and preventing pollution. Collectively, these actions contribute significantly to environmental conservation by promoting sustainable living and reducing our ecological footprint.

Explanation

The principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle play a crucial role in conserving our environment. These practices help minimize waste in landfills, reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and save energy. Reducing consumption leads to fewer materials being produced and less energy being used in manufacturing processes. Reusing items extends the life of products, reducing the need for new materials and decreasing waste. Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources, further reducing the need for raw materials, saving energy, and preventing pollution. Collectively, these actions contribute significantly to environmental conservation by promoting sustainable living and reducing our ecological footprint.

4. What is the main cause of soil erosion?

Industralization

Deforestation

Earthquake

Roads Constuction

Deforestation is the main cause of soil erosion. When trees are cut down, the soil is left exposed and becomes more susceptible to erosion. Trees and vegetation naturally hold the soil in place with their root systems. When these roots are removed through deforestation, the soil is loosened and easily carried away by wind or water runoff. This can lead to significant environmental problems such as loss of fertile land, increased sedimentation in water bodies, poor water quality, and reduced habitat for wildlife. Soil erosion also contributes to a decrease in agricultural productivity and can lead to desertification in severe cases. Thus, preserving forests is crucial for preventing soil erosion and maintaining ecological balance.

Explanation

Deforestation is the main cause of soil erosion. When trees are cut down, the soil is left exposed and becomes more susceptible to erosion. Trees and vegetation naturally hold the soil in place with their root systems. When these roots are removed through deforestation, the soil is loosened and easily carried away by wind or water runoff. This can lead to significant environmental problems such as loss of fertile land, increased sedimentation in water bodies, poor water quality, and reduced habitat for wildlife. Soil erosion also contributes to a decrease in agricultural productivity and can lead to desertification in severe cases. Thus, preserving forests is crucial for preventing soil erosion and maintaining ecological balance.

5. Wasting less food is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

True

False

Wasting less food is indeed a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making the statement true. When food is discarded, it typically ends up in landfills where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Additionally, the production, transportation, and storage of food all consume energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions. By reducing food waste, not only do we decrease the amount of methane produced in landfills, but we also lessen the energy and resources expended on producing, transporting, and storing food that ultimately goes unused. This makes food waste reduction a significant environmental strategy for combating climate change.

Explanation

Wasting less food is indeed a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making the statement true. When food is discarded, it typically ends up in landfills where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Additionally, the production, transportation, and storage of food all consume energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions. By reducing food waste, not only do we decrease the amount of methane produced in landfills, but we also lessen the energy and resources expended on producing, transporting, and storing food that ultimately goes unused. This makes food waste reduction a significant environmental strategy for combating climate change.

6. Thailand announced that it has proceeded to test it's novel coronavirus vaccine on which animal/bird?

Lizards

Monkeys

Hens

Kites

Thailand announced that it had proceeded to test its novel coronavirus vaccine on monkeys after an initial trial on mice showed promising results. This step is part of the pre-clinical testing phases that many countries and companies undertake before moving to human trials. Testing on monkeys, a practice often used in medical research due to their genetic similarity to humans, helps researchers understand the vaccine's efficacy and safety profiles. This is crucial before advancing to the next stages of vaccine development, which involve human subjects. These animal trials are vital for ensuring that the potential vaccine triggers an adequate immune response and does not have significant adverse side effects.

Explanation

Thailand announced that it had proceeded to test its novel coronavirus vaccine on monkeys after an initial trial on mice showed promising results. This step is part of the pre-clinical testing phases that many countries and companies undertake before moving to human trials. Testing on monkeys, a practice often used in medical research due to their genetic similarity to humans, helps researchers understand the vaccine's efficacy and safety profiles. This is crucial before advancing to the next stages of vaccine development, which involve human subjects. These animal trials are vital for ensuring that the potential vaccine triggers an adequate immune response and does not have significant adverse side effects.

7. How much percentage of nitrogen consist in Earth's Atmosphere?

25%

55%

78%

92%

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas in the air we breathe. It is a critical component of the atmosphere, playing a vital role in various biological processes. Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, necessary for the growth and repair of living organisms. Despite its abundance in the atmosphere, nitrogen is mostly inert and does not easily react with other elements under normal conditions, which helps maintain the stability of the Earth's atmosphere.

Explanation

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas in the air we breathe. It is a critical component of the atmosphere, playing a vital role in various biological processes. Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, necessary for the growth and repair of living organisms. Despite its abundance in the atmosphere, nitrogen is mostly inert and does not easily react with other elements under normal conditions, which helps maintain the stability of the Earth's atmosphere.

8. World Environment Day is celebrated at

1st June

5th June

10th June

19th June

World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June. This day is observed globally to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote actions to protect the environment. It provides an opportunity to engage individuals, communities, and governments in environmental activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and awareness campaigns. The date of 5th June was chosen as it marks the beginning of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, which was a landmark event in the development of international environmental policies.

Explanation

World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June. This day is observed globally to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote actions to protect the environment. It provides an opportunity to engage individuals, communities, and governments in environmental activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and awareness campaigns. The date of 5th June was chosen as it marks the beginning of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, which was a landmark event in the development of international environmental policies.

9. What percentage of land area should remain covered by forest to maintain Ecological balance?

10%

5%

33%

60%

It is generally recommended that at least 33% of a country's land area should remain covered by forests to maintain ecological balance. This coverage is crucial for several reasons: forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and thereby helping to mitigate climate change; they regulate water cycles, ensuring water availability and reducing the risk of floods and droughts; and they preserve biodiversity, providing habitats for a vast array of species. Maintaining around a third of land as forest also supports various ecosystem services that are vital for life on earth, including air purification, soil preservation, and providing resources for human use without degrading the natural environment.

Explanation

It is generally recommended that at least 33% of a country's land area should remain covered by forests to maintain ecological balance. This coverage is crucial for several reasons: forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and thereby helping to mitigate climate change; they regulate water cycles, ensuring water availability and reducing the risk of floods and droughts; and they preserve biodiversity, providing habitats for a vast array of species. Maintaining around a third of land as forest also supports various ecosystem services that are vital for life on earth, including air purification, soil preservation, and providing resources for human use without degrading the natural environment.

10. Who is known as father of Indian Green Revolution?

C Subramanian

V Kurien

MS Swaminathan

None of these

M.S. Swaminathan is widely recognized as the "Father of the Indian Green Revolution" for his leadership and success in introducing and furthering high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s to India. His efforts dramatically increased food production, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, majorly contributing to India's agricultural transformation. Swaminathan's work involved developing and promoting new seed varieties and farming practices, which not only helped alleviate hunger and boost India’s food production but also made the country self-sufficient in cereals. His pioneering work has had a lasting impact on food security and agricultural practices in India.

Explanation

M.S. Swaminathan is widely recognized as the "Father of the Indian Green Revolution" for his leadership and success in introducing and furthering high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s to India. His efforts dramatically increased food production, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, majorly contributing to India's agricultural transformation. Swaminathan's work involved developing and promoting new seed varieties and farming practices, which not only helped alleviate hunger and boost India’s food production but also made the country self-sufficient in cereals. His pioneering work has had a lasting impact on food security and agricultural practices in India.

11. The name of India derived from which river?

Indus River

Ganges River

Brahmaputra River

Sutlej River

The name of India is derived from the Indus River. The ancient Sanskrit name for the river was 'Sindhu,' but when the Persians conquered the lands in the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent around 500 BCE, they began calling the river 'Hindu,' a variant of 'Sindhu.' This name was later taken up by the Greeks who arrived with Alexander the Great and began referring to the region as 'Indos' or 'India.' The Latin term for the land east of the Indus River was 'India,' which eventually became the name used internationally. The Indus River, therefore, has a significant historical influence on the naming of India.

Explanation

The name of India is derived from the Indus River. The ancient Sanskrit name for the river was 'Sindhu,' but when the Persians conquered the lands in the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent around 500 BCE, they began calling the river 'Hindu,' a variant of 'Sindhu.' This name was later taken up by the Greeks who arrived with Alexander the Great and began referring to the region as 'Indos' or 'India.' The Latin term for the land east of the Indus River was 'India,' which eventually became the name used internationally. The Indus River, therefore, has a significant historical influence on the naming of India.

12. Taj Mahal is threatened due to...........?

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Water Vapour

Sulfur Dioxide

The Taj Mahal is threatened primarily due to sulfur dioxide. This gas is released into the air from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. When sulfur dioxide combines with moisture in the atmosphere, it forms sulfuric acid, contributing to the phenomenon known as acid rain. Acid rain has a deteriorative effect on the marble of the Taj Mahal, causing the surface to corrode and the intricate carvings to erode over time. This chemical reaction, often referred to as "marble cancer," poses a significant threat to the preservation of this historic monument.

Explanation

The Taj Mahal is threatened primarily due to sulfur dioxide. This gas is released into the air from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. When sulfur dioxide combines with moisture in the atmosphere, it forms sulfuric acid, contributing to the phenomenon known as acid rain. Acid rain has a deteriorative effect on the marble of the Taj Mahal, causing the surface to corrode and the intricate carvings to erode over time. This chemical reaction, often referred to as "marble cancer," poses a significant threat to the preservation of this historic monument.

13. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

CO2

CH4

Water Vapor

All of the above

CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and water vapor are all greenhouse gases. These gases are crucial components of the Earth's atmosphere because they have the ability to trap heat, thereby contributing to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is released primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices. Water vapor, while a natural part of the atmosphere, amplifies the greenhouse effect because warmer air holds more water vapor, which in turn traps more heat. Collectively, these gases play a significant role in regulating Earth's temperature by preventing some of the heat from escaping into space.

Explanation

CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and water vapor are all greenhouse gases. These gases are crucial components of the Earth's atmosphere because they have the ability to trap heat, thereby contributing to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is released primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices. Water vapor, while a natural part of the atmosphere, amplifies the greenhouse effect because warmer air holds more water vapor, which in turn traps more heat. Collectively, these gases play a significant role in regulating Earth's temperature by preventing some of the heat from escaping into space.

14. Who is the Founder of Pani Foundation?

Salman Khan

Shahrukh Khan

Aamir Khan

Saifali Khan

Aamir Khan is the founder of the Pani Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at fighting drought in Maharashtra, India. The foundation was established by Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao in 2016. It focuses on teaching and implementing sustainable water conservation techniques such as watershed management, which helps villages increase their water supply and combat the effects of drought. The Pani Foundation has been instrumental in mobilizing communities to take charge of their water situation, organizing a competitive event called the "Satyamev Jayate Water Cup," where villages compete to win prizes for the best watershed management practices.

Explanation

Aamir Khan is the founder of the Pani Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at fighting drought in Maharashtra, India. The foundation was established by Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao in 2016. It focuses on teaching and implementing sustainable water conservation techniques such as watershed management, which helps villages increase their water supply and combat the effects of drought. The Pani Foundation has been instrumental in mobilizing communities to take charge of their water situation, organizing a competitive event called the "Satyamev Jayate Water Cup," where villages compete to win prizes for the best watershed management practices.

15. Under what theme did India host the celebration of World Environment Day in 2018?

Beat Plastic Pollution

I'm with nature

Think.Eat.Save

Green Economy: Does it Include You?

In 2018, India hosted the celebration of World Environment Day under the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution." This theme encouraged global awareness and action to combat the growing problem of plastic pollution in the environment. The focus was on reducing the heavy burden of plastic pollution on natural places, wildlife, and human health, and fostering a movement to eliminate single-use plastics. This theme aligned with global efforts to address environmental sustainability and highlighted India's role in leading initiatives to implement solutions towards reducing plastic waste. The "Beat Plastic Pollution" campaign encouraged individuals, governments, and industries to explore sustainable alternatives and reduce the production and excessive use of single-use plastic polluting our oceans, damaging marine life, and affecting health.

Explanation

In 2018, India hosted the celebration of World Environment Day under the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution." This theme encouraged global awareness and action to combat the growing problem of plastic pollution in the environment. The focus was on reducing the heavy burden of plastic pollution on natural places, wildlife, and human health, and fostering a movement to eliminate single-use plastics. This theme aligned with global efforts to address environmental sustainability and highlighted India's role in leading initiatives to implement solutions towards reducing plastic waste. The "Beat Plastic Pollution" campaign encouraged individuals, governments, and industries to explore sustainable alternatives and reduce the production and excessive use of single-use plastic polluting our oceans, damaging marine life, and affecting health.

16. Famous environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna is associated with which movement?

Save Silent Valley

Narmada Bachao

Chipklo Movement

Jhola Andolan

Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent environmentalist known for his association with the Chipko Movement. This grassroots environmental campaign began in the 1970s in India, primarily aimed at protecting forests from deforestation. The movement is named "Chipko," which means "to hug" in Hindi, as villagers, led by figures like Bahuguna, would embrace trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Chipko Movement became a rallying point for many other ecological and social causes in India, spreading awareness about the importance of trees and forest ecosystems. Sunderlal Bahuguna's efforts in this movement not only highlighted the environmental issues but also underscored the connection between sustainable forest management and local livelihoods.

Explanation

Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent environmentalist known for his association with the Chipko Movement. This grassroots environmental campaign began in the 1970s in India, primarily aimed at protecting forests from deforestation. The movement is named "Chipko," which means "to hug" in Hindi, as villagers, led by figures like Bahuguna, would embrace trees to prevent them from being cut down. The Chipko Movement became a rallying point for many other ecological and social causes in India, spreading awareness about the importance of trees and forest ecosystems. Sunderlal Bahuguna's efforts in this movement not only highlighted the environmental issues but also underscored the connection between sustainable forest management and local livelihoods.

17. The first World Environment Day was held in which year?

1971

1974

1978

1980

The first World Environment Day was held in 1974. This event was established by the United Nations to raise global awareness about environmental issues and motivate action for environmental protection. The creation of World Environment Day was inspired by discussions on the human environment at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, and the first celebration took place two years later. Each year, World Environment Day serves as a key date to promote environmental awareness and sustainability worldwide, with a different host country and theme each time.

Explanation

The first World Environment Day was held in 1974. This event was established by the United Nations to raise global awareness about environmental issues and motivate action for environmental protection. The creation of World Environment Day was inspired by discussions on the human environment at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, and the first celebration took place two years later. Each year, World Environment Day serves as a key date to promote environmental awareness and sustainability worldwide, with a different host country and theme each time.

18. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on environmental air pollution.

True

False

It is false to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on environmental air pollution; in fact, the opposite is often true. During the pandemic, many countries implemented lockdowns and restrictions on travel and industrial activity. This reduction in vehicle traffic and industrial operations led to a significant temporary decrease in air pollution levels in many parts of the world. Cities that were once shrouded in smog saw clearer skies and significant improvements in air quality. Studies reported decreases in nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels, pollutants primarily emitted from vehicles and industrial processes. Therefore, while the pandemic has had severe social and economic impacts, its effect on air pollution has been largely positive in reducing pollution levels temporarily.

Explanation

It is false to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on environmental air pollution; in fact, the opposite is often true. During the pandemic, many countries implemented lockdowns and restrictions on travel and industrial activity. This reduction in vehicle traffic and industrial operations led to a significant temporary decrease in air pollution levels in many parts of the world. Cities that were once shrouded in smog saw clearer skies and significant improvements in air quality. Studies reported decreases in nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels, pollutants primarily emitted from vehicles and industrial processes. Therefore, while the pandemic has had severe social and economic impacts, its effect on air pollution has been largely positive in reducing pollution levels temporarily.

19. Which country hosted the World Environment Day 2020?

Colombia

Mongolia

China

Canada

Colombia was the host country for World Environment Day in 2020. World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th and is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. Each year, a different country hosts the event, which highlights a pressing environmental issue. The theme for 2020 was biodiversity — a call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. Hosting this event provided Colombia an opportunity to showcase its environmental efforts and biodiversity conservation strategies on a global stage.

Explanation

Colombia was the host country for World Environment Day in 2020. World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th and is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. Each year, a different country hosts the event, which highlights a pressing environmental issue. The theme for 2020 was biodiversity — a call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. Hosting this event provided Colombia an opportunity to showcase its environmental efforts and biodiversity conservation strategies on a global stage.

20. Which of the following state is having the largest number of Tiger Reserves?

West Bengal

Andhra Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

Karnataka

Madhya Pradesh is the state with the largest number of Tiger Reserves in India. Known as the "Tiger State" of India, Madhya Pradesh is home to several prominent tiger reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, and Panna. These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, providing a safe habitat and helping to protect this endangered species from threats like poaching and habitat destruction. The state's extensive forested areas offer an ideal environment for tigers and contribute significantly to India's efforts in tiger conservation, which have been recognized globally for their success in increasing tiger populations.

Explanation

Madhya Pradesh is the state with the largest number of Tiger Reserves in India. Known as the "Tiger State" of India, Madhya Pradesh is home to several prominent tiger reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, and Panna. These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, providing a safe habitat and helping to protect this endangered species from threats like poaching and habitat destruction. The state's extensive forested areas offer an ideal environment for tigers and contribute significantly to India's efforts in tiger conservation, which have been recognized globally for their success in increasing tiger populations.