Environment and Ecology: Previous Year Questions

Fungi and bacteria are known as decomposer organisms in food chains. Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be absorbed by plants and other organisms. Viruses, on the other hand, are not considered decomposer organisms as they are not capable of carrying out metabolic processes or breaking down organic matter. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide. When these gases are released into the atmosphere from sources such as industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acidic compounds. These compounds then fall to the Earth as acid rain, which can have harmful effects on plants, animals, and infrastructure. Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide are particularly responsible for the acidity of acid rain due to their ability to form strong acids when combined with water.

A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other. This means that statement 1 is correct. However, statement 2 is incorrect because food chains are not found within the populations of a species, but rather they involve multiple species. Statement 3 is also incorrect because a food chain does not illustrate the numbers of each organism that are eaten by others, but rather the sequence of feeding relationships. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.

Ecological niche refers to the specific role and position of an organism within its ecosystem. It encompasses not only the physical space occupied by the organism (habitat), but also its interactions with other organisms and its utilization of resources. The ecological niche includes the organism's feeding habits, behavior, and adaptations, which allow it to survive and reproduce in its environment. Therefore, ecological niche is the term that describes both the physical space and the functional role of an organism in the community of organisms.

In desert areas, plants have to adapt to the arid conditions and minimize water loss. One way they do this is by having hard and waxy leaves (1), which helps to reduce transpiration. Another adaptation is having tiny leaves or no leaves (2), which reduces the surface area for water loss. Finally, some plants in desert areas have thorns instead of leaves (3), which helps to protect the plant from herbivores and also reduces water loss. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

Equatorial forests have three unique characteristics. Firstly, they have tall, closely set trees with crowns that form a continuous canopy. This dense canopy provides shade and prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Secondly, equatorial forests are known for the coexistence of a large number of species. The high biodiversity in these forests is a result of the favorable climate and abundant resources. Lastly, equatorial forests have numerous varieties of epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants for support but do not take nutrients from them. These unique characteristics make equatorial forests rich and diverse ecosystems.

Bandipur, Manas, and Sunderban are declared Tiger Reserves. Bhitarkanika is not declared as a Tiger Reserve.

The animals mentioned in the answer option, Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, and Asiatic Wild Ass, all belong to the category of endangered species. This means that their population is at a high risk of extinction in the wild. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect and preserve these species and prevent their decline.

Global warming, fragmentation of habitat, and invasion of alien species can all be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area. Global warming can lead to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, which can disrupt ecosystems and cause species to migrate or become extinct. Fragmentation of habitat, such as through deforestation or urbanization, can result in the loss of habitat and isolation of populations, making it difficult for species to survive and reproduce. Invasion of alien species, also known as invasive species, can outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the balance of an ecosystem. Promotion of vegetarianism, while beneficial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is not directly related to threats to biodiversity.

The correct answer is a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle. This is because the drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle contains a chemical called diclofenac, which is toxic to vultures. When vultures feed on the carcasses of cattle treated with this drug, they ingest the diclofenac and it causes kidney failure in the vultures, leading to their decline in numbers.

Botanical Gardens are not considered a site for in-situ conservation of flora because they primarily focus on the cultivation and display of plants for educational and recreational purposes. In contrast, in-situ conservation aims to protect and preserve plant species in their natural habitats. Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries are examples of sites where in-situ conservation methods are implemented to safeguard the biodiversity and habitats of various plant species.

Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in multiple ways. Firstly, it contributes to soil formation by providing organic matter through the decomposition of plants and animals. Secondly, it helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with the roots of various plants. Thirdly, biodiversity plays a crucial role in the recycling of waste by breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Lastly, biodiversity is essential for crop pollination, as many plants rely on insects and other animals for the transfer of pollen. Therefore, all the given options (1, 2, 3, and 4) are correct explanations for how biodiversity supports human existence.

The correct answer is "It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills." This means that the "oil zapper" is a technology that is used to clean up and remove oil spills and oily sludge in an environmentally friendly way. It is likely a method or device that breaks down or removes the oil from the affected area without causing harm to the environment.

If phytoplankton in an ocean is completely destroyed, it would have adverse effects on the ocean as a carbon sink. Phytoplankton plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, thus reducing the levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Without phytoplankton, the ocean's ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide would be significantly reduced. Additionally, phytoplankton forms the base of the ocean food chains, so their absence would disrupt the entire food web, negatively impacting the entire ecosystem. Therefore, options 1 and 2 are correct. Option 3 is incorrect as the density of ocean water would not be drastically affected by the absence of phytoplankton.

Carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and oxides of sulfur are all emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants.

The difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru is that Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas, while Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semidesert areas of cold high mountains. This means that Oryx can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions, while Chiru is able to survive in colder climates with less vegetation.

Arsenic and fluoride are known to be pollutants that can be found in drinking water in some parts of India. Sorbitol, formaldehyde, and uranium are not specifically mentioned as pollutants in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with the provision of the constitution of India that recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a part of the Right to life under Article 21. This means that individuals have the right to live in a clean and pollution-free environment. The Act was enacted to provide a specialized forum for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation. It aims to ensure the enforcement of environmental laws and promote sustainable development. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.

All three species mentioned in the list, namely Gharial, Leatherback turtle, and Swamp deer, are endangered. The term "endangered" refers to a species that is at risk of becoming extinct in the near future. These species face various threats such as habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and climate change. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect these species to prevent their extinction.

Photochemical smog is formed when NO2, O3, and peroxyacetyl nitrate react with each other in the presence of sunlight. These reactions occur in the atmosphere and result in the formation of various pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and peroxyacetyl nitrate. Sunlight provides the energy needed for these reactions to take place. The combination of these pollutants leads to the formation of photochemical smog, which is a type of air pollution characterized by a yellowish-brown haze and the presence of harmful chemicals.

The lion-tailed macaque is found in its natural habitat in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. This is indicated by the correct answer choice "1, 2 and 3 only". Andhra Pradesh is not mentioned as a state where the lion-tailed macaque is found.

Mangrove trees have extensive roots that anchor them firmly in the ground, making them resistant to being uprooted by storms and tides. This allows them to act as a safety hedge against coastal calamities such as cyclones and tsunamis. The strong roots of mangroves help to dissipate the force of waves and provide a barrier that protects human settlements from the destructive power of the sea. Therefore, mangroves serve as a reliable safety hedge by preventing the sea from reaching human settlements and reducing the impact of coastal disasters.

The correct answer is that the soil of a rain forest is deficient in nutrients. This is because rain forests have a high rate of decomposition, which rapidly recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem. When the forest is removed, the nutrients are quickly leached from the soil by heavy rainfall, leaving it depleted and unable to support new growth. Additionally, rain forests typically have a thin layer of topsoil, which further limits the availability of nutrients for regeneration.

In National Parks, local people are not allowed to collect and use the biomass. National Parks in India are designated areas for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats. They are strictly regulated to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem and its biodiversity. Therefore, activities such as collecting and using biomass are restricted in order to maintain the natural balance and prevent any disturbance to the wildlife and their habitats.

The correct criteria in this context are species richness, endemism, and threat perception. Species richness refers to the number of different species present in an area, indicating the overall biodiversity. Endemism refers to the presence of species that are unique to a particular area, indicating high levels of biodiversity and ecological importance. Threat perception refers to the level of threat or vulnerability faced by the biodiversity in these regions, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. Ethno-botanical importance, vegetation density, and adaptation to warm arid humid conditions are not mentioned as criteria contributing to the recognition of these regions as hotspots of biodiversity.

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The Indian wild ass could be the correct answer because it is known to inhabit sandy and saline areas. The fact that it has no predators in that area suggests that it is well-adapted to the environment and its population is not naturally controlled by predation. However, the destruction of its habitat poses a threat to its existence, indicating that it heavily relies on the specific conditions of its habitat for survival.

The correct answer is "2 only". The "Red Data Books" published by the IUCN contain lists of threatened plant and animal species. These books serve as a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of species globally and provide crucial information for conservation efforts. The books do not specifically focus on endemic species or protected sites for conservation.

The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity because it is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones. This means that the range encompasses a variety of different habitats and ecosystems, each supporting its own unique set of species. The convergence of these different zones creates a high level of biodiversity, as species from each zone mix and interact with one another. This allows for a wide range of species to coexist and thrive in the Himalayas.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because carbon dioxide does not escape into the outer stratosphere. Statement 2 is correct because phytoplankton in the oceans do undergo photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide. Statement 3 is correct because air can be trapped in the polar ice caps, but it does not directly affect the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

All of the mentioned Central Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in India. The Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 regulates the import and export of goods, including wildlife and plant species, to prevent the illegal trade of endangered species. The Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 includes provisions for the protection and conservation of the environment, including biodiversity, during mining activities. The Customs Act, 1962 allows for the regulation and control of the import and export of goods, including wildlife and plant species. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 provides for the conservation and management of forests, which are important habitats for biodiversity.

The increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India can be attributed to two main causative factors. Firstly, the discharge of nutrients from the estuaries contributes to the growth of these blooms. Estuaries act as a source of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which promote the growth of algae. Secondly, run-off from the land during the monsoon also plays a role. The heavy rainfall during the monsoon season washes nutrients from the land into the seawater, providing additional fuel for algal blooms. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

Bacteria, fungi, and flowering plants can all be employed as biopesticides. Bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis produce toxins that target specific pests, while certain fungi like Beauveria bassiana can infect and kill insects. Flowering plants, on the other hand, can be genetically modified to produce insecticidal proteins. Therefore, all three kinds of organisms can be used as biopesticides.

The correct answer is 1, 3 and 4 only. The black-necked crane, flying squirrel, and snow leopard are naturally found in India. The cheetah, however, is not naturally found in India.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) helps in protecting Indian agriculture by checking biopiracy and protecting indigenous and traditional genetic resources. This ensures that the genetic resources of crops are not exploited without proper authorization. Additionally, the NBA plays a role in protecting the intellectual property rights related to genetic/biological resources by requiring approval for any application for such rights. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as the NBA does not directly monitor and supervise scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.

Sea cows and sea lions are mammals because they both give birth to live young and nurse them with milk. Sea horses, on the other hand, are not mammals. They are fish and reproduce by laying eggs. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

The acidification of the ocean is a cause of concern because it adversely affects various aspects of marine life. Statement 1 is correct because calcareous phytoplankton, which play a vital role in the marine food chain, rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and their growth and survival will be negatively impacted. Statement 2 is correct because coral reefs, which are important ecosystems and provide habitat for numerous marine species, are also made of calcium carbonate and will be adversely affected by acidification. Statement 3 is correct because the survival of animals with phytoplanktonic larvae, such as many fish species, will be affected as their food source is diminished. Statement 4 is correct because acidification can disrupt the process of cloud formation, impacting weather patterns and potentially leading to changes in climate.

The star tortoise, monitor lizard, and pygmy hog are the only animals found in India out of the given options. The spider monkey is not found in India.

The formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region is primarily caused by the presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds, as well as the inflow of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The polar front and stratospheric clouds create conditions that promote the destruction of ozone molecules, while CFCs released into the atmosphere contribute to the depletion of ozone. This combination of factors leads to the formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region.

The correct answer is that carbon credits are not traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme. The price of carbon credits is determined by the market and can fluctuate based on supply and demand. The United Nations Environment Programme does not set a fixed price for carbon credits.

The people's resistance to the introduction of BT brinjal in India is due to two main reasons. Firstly, BT brinjal is created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome, which raises concerns about the safety and potential adverse effects on health. Secondly, the seeds of BT brinjal are terminator seeds, meaning farmers have to buy new seeds before every season from seed companies, leading to increased dependency on these companies. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Genetically engineered plants have been created not only to resist pests but also for other purposes. One such purpose is to enable them to withstand drought, which is important for areas with limited water resources. Another purpose is to increase the nutritive value of the produce, making it more beneficial for human consumption. Additionally, genetically engineered plants have been developed to be able to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations, which is crucial for long-duration space missions. Lastly, they have also been engineered to increase their shelf life, reducing food waste and increasing availability. Therefore, options 1, 2, 3, and 4 are all correct.

The statement "None of the above" suggests that the reasons mentioned in the options (insects and fungi, limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients, water limits and fire) are not the factors responsible for trees not replacing grasses in the grasslands as part of ecological succession. Therefore, there must be other reasons that prevent the replacement of grasses by trees in the grasslands, which are not mentioned in the given options.

The supporting services provided by ecosystems are those that enable other ecosystem services to exist. Nutrient cycling and pollination are examples of supporting services because they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and functioning of ecosystems. Nutrient cycling involves the recycling and distribution of essential nutrients within ecosystems, which is necessary for the growth and survival of plants and other organisms. Pollination, on the other hand, is the process by which pollen is transferred from male to female reproductive organs in plants, facilitating their reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds. Both nutrient cycling and pollination support the provisioning of food and other ecosystem services.

Lead, even after being banned from petrol, can still be found in various sources that can lead to lead poisoning. Smelting units, which involve the process of extracting metal from its ore, can release lead into the environment. Pens and pencils can contain lead in their ink or paint, which can be ingested or come into contact with the skin. Hair oils and cosmetics can also contain lead as a contaminant, which can be absorbed by the body through the skin or ingestion. Therefore, all the options provided - 1, 2, 3, and 4 - can be sources of lead poisoning.

Marine upwelling zones are important for ecosystem productivity because they bring nutrients to the surface. This increased availability of nutrients supports the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain. The statement that bottom-dwelling organisms are brought to the surface is incorrect. Decomposer microorganisms are not specifically mentioned in the context of marine upwelling zones, so it cannot be concluded that they are brought to the surface. Therefore, the correct statement is 3 only.