Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

1. What is Plasticosis, which was seen in the news recently?

[A] Food
[B] Disease
[C] Software
[D] Equipment

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Correct Answer: B [Disease] Notes:
Recently, scientists from Australia and the UK discovered a new disease called “Plasticosis” in birds. This disease is caused by the consumption of plastics. It leads to long-term inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in the digestive system of birds. The study has found that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to the digestive system of birds, making them vulnerable to parasites.

2. The Draft Central Electricity Authority Regulations was issued recently to protect which species?

[A] One-horned Rhinos
[B] Great Indian Bustard
[C] Asian Elephant
[D] Asiatic Lion

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Correct Answer: B [Great Indian Bustard] Notes:
The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered, facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. The Draft Central Electricity Authority (Construction of Electric Lines in Great Indian Bustard Area) Regulations, 2023 was issued to safeguard this species. According to these regulations, all electric lines of 33 kV and below passing through the Great Indian Bustard Area will be underground, while those above 33 kV will be overhead lines with bird flight diverts.

3. Nocticola pheromosa, which was recently discovered, belongs to which species?

[A] Spider
[B] Snake
[C] Cockroach
[D] Turtle

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Correct Answer: C [Cockroach] Notes:
Nocticola pheromosa is a newly discovered species of cockroach found in a nature reserve in Singapore. Named after a cockroach-like Pokémon called Pheromosa, this species marks the first discovery of a cockroach from the Nocticola genus in Singapore. This finding adds to the 22 other species from the genus found across tropical regions.

4. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?

[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Goa
[D] Bihar

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Correct Answer: C [Goa] Notes:
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near Valpoi in North Goa, is a protected area in the Western Ghats of South India. The sanctuary is currently facing forest fires. It is home to various species and is being considered for designation as a tiger reserve due to the presence of Bengal tigers. Administered by the Goa State Forest Department, it plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation.

5. ‘Foot & Mouth Disease’ is a major disease which affects which species?

[A] Plants
[B] Livestock
[C] Poultry
[D] Insects

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Correct Answer: B [Livestock] Notes:
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a significant disease affecting livestock, causing considerable economic impact. The Indian government recently announced that, under the second round of the FMD vaccination drive, approximately 24 crore cattle and buffalo in India have been covered out of the targeted population of 25.8 crore cattle.

6. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a lethal fungus that is currently invading which species?

[A] Frog
[B] Honey Bees
[C] Butterfly
[D] Cattle

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Correct Answer: A [Frog] Notes:
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a lethal fungus currently invading frog populations across Africa. This pathogen causes chytridiomycosis, a deadly disease that has led to the extinction of hundreds of amphibian species. The invasion of this fungus is a significant concern for amphibian biodiversity.

7. Nemateleotris Lavandula, which was discovered recently, belongs to which species?

[A] Snake
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Gecko

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Correct Answer: B [Fish] Notes:
Nemateleotris lavandula is a newly discovered species of colorful dartfish found in the Pacific Ocean. It is similar to the Helfrich’s dartfish. Belonging to the genus Nemateleotris, these fish are known for their small size, bright colors, and elongated bodies. The discovery of new species contributes to our understanding of marine biodiversity.

8. ‘Gaj Utsav 2023’ will be organized by the Indian Government to mark 30-year celebration of which project?

[A] Project Tiger
[B] Project Elephant
[C] Project Lion
[D] Project Great Indian Bustard

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Correct Answer: B [Project Elephant] Notes:
Gaj Utsav 2023, organized by the Indian Government, celebrates the 30-year milestone of Project Elephant. The event, to be inaugurated by the President of India on April 7, will be held at Kaziranga National Park. Project Elephant focuses on the conservation and protection of elephants and their habitats, addressing various challenges faced by these magnificent creatures.

9. ‘Dama celiae’ which was seen on the news, belongs to which species?

[A] Deer
[B] Gecko
[C] Spider
[D] Snake

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Correct Answer: A [Deer] Notes:
Dama celiae is an extinct species of fallow deer with two-pointed antlers. This deer species lived in Europe during the Pleistocene epoch, around 365,000 and 295,000 years ago. The fossilized remains of Dama celiae, including a rib with seven cut marks, were discovered in the sand quarries of Pedro Jaro I and Orcasitas in the Manzanares valley.

10. Kota was the last New Guinea singing dog of which country?

[A] UK
[B] India
[C] USA
[D] Australia

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Correct Answer: A [UK] Notes:
Kota, the last New Guinea singing dog in the UK, recently passed away in Exmoor Zoological Park at the age of 15. This species is native to the New Guinea Highlands and is known for its unique howling sound. The death of Kota highlights the challenges faced by endangered species in captivity and the importance of conservation efforts to protect such unique and rare animals.

11. ‘Kaziranga Elevated Road project’ is being constructed in which state/UT?

[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha

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Correct Answer: B [Assam] Notes:
The Kaziranga Elevated Road project, situated in Assam, encompasses the construction of approximately 34 kilometers of elevated roads at locations identified by the Wildlife Institute of India to facilitate animal crossings. Additionally, the project involves widening the intervening at-grade road to a 4-lane highway, totaling around 50 kilometers in length, and constructing tunnels spanning approximately 3 kilometers.

12. Which country has recently approved the ‘Isaac River coal mine project’?

[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] Russia
[D] India

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Correct Answer: B [Australia] Notes:
Australia has recently granted approval for the Isaac River coal mine project in Queensland, near Moranbah. This project, authorized for extracting metallurgical coal used in steel production, marks the first approval for a new coal mine by the Australian government.

13. ‘Archopterus anjiensis’, the oldest sea scorpion, has been found in which country?

[A] India
[B] China
[C] Argentina
[D] South Africa

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Correct Answer: B [China] Notes:
The oldest sea scorpion, Archopterus anjiensis, with a fossil dating back 445 million years, was discovered in the Zhejiang Province of China. This ancient fossil provides insights into marine life during the uppermost Ordovician period.

14. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is situated in which state/UT?

[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Uttarakhand

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Correct Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir] Notes:
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, located in Jammu and Kashmir, recently recorded the presence of a snow leopard through a camera trap. This national park, with an altitude range of 1700 to 4800 meters, serves as a natural habitat for various mammal and bird species.

15. ‘Hemidactylus pakka malaiensis’ is a newly discovered species belonging to?

[A] Turtle
[B] Gecko
[C] Spider
[D] Snake

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Correct Answer: B [Gecko] Notes:
The newly discovered species, Hemidactylus pakka malaiensis, is a large-bodied gecko found in the Pakkamalai hills at Gingee in the southern Eastern Ghats. It is closely related to H. graniticolus and H. easai, distinguished by its lower femoral pores count.

16. What is ‘Gomphonema rajaguruii’, which was discovered recently?

[A] Algae
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungi
[D] Virus

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Correct Answer: A [Algae] Notes:
Gomphonema rajaguruii, a recently discovered species, belongs to the category of oxygen-supplying algae. Named in honor of the late Professor S N Rajaguru, a veteran geo-archaeologist, this freshwater diatom species exhibits characteristics of both Gomphonema and Gomphoneis genera.

17. 62 Desiccation-Tolerant Vascular Plant Species have been recently discovered in which country?

[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] Nepal
[D] Bangladesh

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Correct Answer: A [India] Notes:
A recent discovery in the Western Ghats of India unveiled 62 Desiccation-Tolerant Vascular Plant Species. These findings bear significant agricultural implications, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

18. ‘Eco-Vizag Campaign’ was launched in which state/UT?

[A] Telangana
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu

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Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh] Notes:
The Eco-Vizag Campaign, initiated by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), is a concerted effort to engage the public in combating air and plastic pollution. The campaign focuses on five key components: eco-cleaning, greenery, water conservation, plastic ban, and pollution reduction.

19. ‘Vectipelta barrette’, which was discovered recently, belongs to which species?

[A] Turtle
[B] Dinosaur
[C] Snake
[D] Spider

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Correct Answer: B [Dinosaur] Notes:
Vectipelta barrette, a recent discovery, is a species of dinosaur. Its fossil remains were unearthed on the Isle of Wight in England. As a member of the ankylosaur family, this dinosaur displays distinctive blade-like armour, contributing to its formidable appearance.

20. Honeybee hives in which country faced the second highest mortality rate ever recorded?

[A] India
[B] USA
[C] Australia
[D] Indonesia

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Correct Answer: B [USA] Notes:
According to a survey by the University of Maryland and Auburn University, honeybee hives in the USA encountered the second-highest mortality rate ever recorded, resulting in the loss of almost half of managed colonies for beekeepers. Despite this substantial loss, the total number of honeybee colonies in the country has remained relatively stable.

21. Dandeli forest, which was seen in the news, is situated in which state?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Sikkim
[D] Goa

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Correct Answer: A [Karnataka] Notes:
The Dandeli forest, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, is part of the Western Ghats and resides along the banks of the Kali River. Recognized for its forest grasses, diverse avian population, and the presence of cattle herders, the region is currently grappling with the impacts of rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. These changes are significantly affecting both the forest ecosystem and the local communities dependent on it.

22. Sparambabus Sindhudurg, which was recently discovered, is a species of _:

[A] Snake
[B] Spider
[C] Gecko
[D] Frog

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Correct Answer: B [Spider] Notes:
Sparambabus Sindhudurg is a recently identified species of jumping spider found in the Kudal region of Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra. This discovery marks the second species within the Sparbambus genus and represents the initial record of this genus in India.

23. ‘Nilgiri Tahr’ is the state animal of which state/UT?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh

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Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu] Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr’ from the Secretariat in Chennai, a venture aimed at preserving the State Animal. Funded with ₹25 crore, this project focuses on enhancing knowledge about the Nilgiri Tahr’s population, distribution, and habitat. It also aims to reintroduce the species to its historical environments, address immediate threats, raise public awareness, and establish eco-tourism activities at specific locations.

24. What is the name given to the emissions, which occur when fossil fuels are burned, and resulting emissions are released into the atmosphere?

[A] True Emissions
[B] Unabated Emissions
[C] Original Emissions
[D] Unfiltered Emissions

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Correct Answer: B [Unabated Emissions] Notes:
The term “Unabated Emissions” refers to emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. With nations convening for the COP28 climate summit, discussions around expediting the transition away from fossil fuels are expected, given the role of unabated emissions in contributing to global warming.

25. Noa-Dihing music frog is a newly discovered species found in which state?

[A] Assam
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Manipur
[D] Meghalaya

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Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh] Notes:
The Noa-Dihing music frog, a recent discovery, was found in the Namdapha-Kamlang landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. Named after the Noa-Dihing River, this frog species adds to the biodiversity of the region. The Noa Dihing River is a substantial tributary of the Brahmaputra River, stretching over 380 kilometers.

26. UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited launched “Green Rising” initiative at COP28 in collaboration with which country?

[A] Italy
[B] India
[C] UAE
[D] Australia

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Correct Answer: B [India] Notes:
UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, unveiled the “Green Rising” initiative at COP28 in Dubai. This initiative aims to mobilize millions of young people globally, encouraging their active participation in green initiatives addressing and adapting to the severe impacts of climate change on their communities. The YuWaah campaign in India, as part of this initiative, focuses on engaging youth to drive impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level, inspired by the Mission Life movement.

27. 118 countries signed a pledge at the ongoing COP28 climate summit to triple the world’s green energy capacity to 11,000 GW by which year?

[A] 2027
[B] 2030
[C] 2035
[D] 2040

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Correct Answer: B [2030] Notes:
As part of the “Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge,” 118 countries signed a commitment at the ongoing COP28 climate summit to triple the world’s green energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030. This ambitious target is set to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to sustainable energy practices globally.

28. Hirakud Dam reservoir, which was seen in the news, is in which state?

[A] West Bengal
[B] Bihar
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand

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Correct Answer: C [Odisha] Notes:
The Hirakud Dam reservoir, situated in Odisha, gained attention due to an incident where the collapse of an ash pond in a thermal power plant caused destruction of crops and pollution in the reservoir. The breach in the pond’s dyke led to the collapse of the dam, resulting in the flow of slurry into paddy fields, damaging crops and soil.

29. India’s first Gymnosperm garden has been established in which state?

[A] Sikkim
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] West Bengal

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Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand] Notes:
The research wing of the Uttarakhand forest department has set up India’s first Gymnosperm garden, covering an area of one hectare at Radi Top in Uttarkashi district. Opening for public visits from March 2024, the garden hosts diverse endangered conifer species, contributing to the conservation of these unique plants.

30. What prestigious Indian institute is setting up the Kotak School of Sustainability in association with Kotak Mahindra Bank?

[A] IIT Kharagpur
[B] IIT Bengaluru
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Kanpur

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Correct Answer: D [IIT Kanpur] Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank, is establishing the Kotak School of Sustainability on its campus. This initiative marks India’s first fully integrated school focusing holistically on sustainability education, research, and solutions. The school, supported by Kotak Bank, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs on various sustainability themes and will be housed in a state-of-the-art green building equipped with net-zero energy and waste systems.

31. De Winton’s golden mole, presumed extinct since 1936, has been recently rediscovered in which country?

[A] South Africa
[B] Turkey
[C] UAE
[D] Australia

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Correct Answer: A [South Africa] Notes:
De Winton’s golden mole, a rare species presumed extinct since 1936, has been rediscovered after an extensive two-year survey in South Africa’s west coast sand dunes. The blind mole, roughly the size of a mouse or hamster, adeptly burrows underground, leaving no tunnels, making it extremely elusive. Advanced DNA sampling methods and sniffer dogs played a crucial role in confirming traces matching this rare species. The rediscovery raises hopes for the survival of more thought-to-be-extinct species as biodiversity surveying improves, emphasizing the importance of protecting such rare endemic species for conservation.

32. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in news, is located in which state?

[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand

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Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh] Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) in Bengaluru have observed a significant shift in the habitat of numerous bird species in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area in the Himalayan foothills of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. The study attributes this migration to higher elevations to the escalating temperatures in the region. The sanctuary, part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, boasts over 500 bird species and is renowned as a prime birding site due to its exceptional variety and accessibility of species. With altitudes ranging from 500 meters to 3,250 meters, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a temperate cloud forest intermixed with bamboo patches, broadleaved evergreen forests, conifers, and rhododendrons.

33. Anamalai Tiger Reserve, which was recently seen in the news, is located in which state?

[A] Manipur
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Tamil Nadu

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Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu] Notes:
The Forest Department is actively combating invasive species in the Ulandy range, core to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). Native tree saplings are replacing cleared invasive plants on 90 hectares of Ulandy’s forest lands this fiscal year. The ATR, carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of the Anamalais, is situated in the Western Ghats south of the Palakkad gap, surrounded by wildlife reserves: Parambikulum Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulum National Park. Notable ranges within the reserve include Amaravathi, Udumalpet, Pollachi, Ulandy, Valparai, and Manamboli.

34. Recently, in which country was the world’s oldest forest discovered?

[A] New York, US
[B] California, US
[C] Russia
[D] France

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Correct Answer: A [New York, US] Notes:
In a remote quarry near Cairo, New York, researchers have uncovered Earth’s oldest forest, dating back 385 million years. Discovered by a team from the University of Binghamton and Cardiff University, the ancient forest spanned 400 kilometers, with fossilized roots offering insight into a unique reproductive strategy using spores instead of seeds. The findings challenge our understanding of ancient ecosystems and plant evolution, revealing the crucial role these trees played in climate transformation by extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over millions of years.

35. Kuno National Park, which was seen in the news, is located in which state of India?

[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Kerala

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Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh] Notes:
Recently, a cheetah named Shaurya died in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district. Shaurya was a seven-year-old cheetah from Namibia. With Shaurya’s death, 13 of the original 20 cheetahs that were imported from Africa remain. Since March 2023, seven adult cheetahs and three cubs born in India have died in the park. Some experts believe that heavy rain, extreme heat, and humidity may have contributed to the deaths. Others say that the radio collars on the cheetahs could be killing them. The pathogens that aggravate the wounds under the collars could be new to the African cheetahs or to Indian conditions.

36. Kanger Valley National Park, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?

[A] Kerala
[B] Odisha
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Punjab

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Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh] Notes:
Kanger Valley National Park, located in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, is collaborating with diverse organizations and government departments for a unique landscape-based ecological restoration plan. Established in 1982, the park spans 200 sq km along the Kholaba River. Known for diverse topography and exceptional caves like Kutumbasar, Kailash, and Dandak, it houses the Tirathgarh Waterfall. The park’s flora includes Sal, Saugaun, teak, and bamboo, while its fauna features tigers, leopards, deer, langurs, and a rich avian population.

37. What is the IUCN status of ‘Great Indian Bustard’ recently seen in the news?

[A] Critically endangered
[B] Endangered
[C] Vulnerable
[D] Least concern

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Correct Answer: A [Critically endangered] Notes:
The Supreme Court has urged the Indian government to reveal its strategy for saving the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), one of the heaviest flying birds. With a mere 100-150 individuals remaining in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, this large bird faces extinction. Notable for its ostrich-like appearance, the Great Indian Bustard is distinguishable by a black crown, brownish body, and marked wings. Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, it inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands, presenting a crucial conservation challenge in India.

38. What is the IUCN status of ‘Agulhas long-billed lark’ recently seen in the news?

[A] Vulnerable
[B] Near threatened
[C] Endangered
[D] Critically endangered

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Correct Answer: B [Near threatened] Notes:
The Agulhas long-billed lark, a small passerine bird endemic to South Africa, faces challenges as farming encroaches on its nesting grounds in Renosterveld fynbos. Preferring Renosterveld, it has adapted to modified habitats like farmlands, but its patchy distribution remains unclear. The species, known for its inconspicuous appearance, is confined to the Agulhas plains. Despite being near-threatened, the lark displays resilience, surviving in the Agulhas arable farmlands from the Hottentots-Holland mountain range to Mossel Bay.

39. What is ‘Mimosa’, recently seen in the news?

[A] Virus
[B] Fungus
[C] Invasive plant
[D] Ancient agricultural technique

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Correct Answer: C [Invasive plant] Notes:
Assam grapples with a rising menace of invasive Mimosa plants, endangering its forests and biodiversity. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces the invasion, impacting the diet of wildlife. Originally introduced by the tea industry for soil enrichment, Mimosa, also known as Touch-Me-Not, now threatens the region due to climate and geographical factors. Renowned botanist Ishwar Chandra Baruah warns of the plant’s rapid spread, choking Kaziranga’s grasslands within a few decades.

40. Lake Victoria, recently seen in the news, shared a border with which of the following countries?

[A] Ethiopia, Sudan, and Congo
[B] Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya
[C] Namibia, Zambia, and Angola
[D] Sudan, Somalia, and Namibia

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Correct Answer: B [Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya] Notes:
Efforts are underway to restore Lake Victoria, facing environmental threats affecting the livelihoods of around 45 million people. Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, it spans 59,947 km² and is shared by Kenya (6%), Uganda (43%), and Tanzania (51%). Fed by various rivers, including Kagera and Mara, it contributes to the Nile’s water. As one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Victoria is the largest by area on the continent, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the second-largest freshwater lake globally.

41. Sphaerotheca varshaabhu, recently seen in news, belongs to which one of the following species?

[A] Frog
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Snake

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Correct Answer: A [Frog] Notes:
Researchers have discovered a new frog species, Sphaerotheca varshaabhu, thriving in Bengaluru’s urban landscape. Named for its rain-loving behavior, the amphibian emerges from burrows during early showers. With unique characteristics, it adapts to urban challenges, displaying behaviors and physical attributes that set it apart. The team employed genetic analysis, morphological studies, and bioacoustics to confirm its distinctiveness from known frog species.

42. Lake Rotorua, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?

[A] France
[B] New Zealand
[C] Australia
[D] Russia

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Correct Answer: B [New Zealand] Notes:
New maps reveal a hidden hydrothermal system under Lake Rotorua, at a dormant volcano’s heart in New Zealand. Hydrothermal systems, common near convergent plate boundaries and mid-ocean ridges, need fluids, heat, and permeability. Seawater percolates through oceanic crust, heating to 350-400°C, producing chemically modified hydrothermal fluid. Ejected to the seafloor, it forms chimney-like deposits, supporting deep-sea chemosynthetic communities. This discovery highlights the dynamic geological processes beneath the lake, providing insights into hydrothermal systems’ intricate workings.

43. Thrips Parvispinus, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?

[A] Invasive pest species
[B] Butterfly
[C] Spider
[D] Fish

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Correct Answer: A [Invasive pest species] Notes:
The Union Agriculture Minister revealed in Rajya Sabha that Thrips Parvispinus, an invasive pest, may have displaced native chilli thrips in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This polyphagous pest affects various crops, including drumstick, pigeon pea, and mango. Originally reported in India in 2015, Thrips Parvispinus has spread globally, causing economic losses and viral infections. The pest’s infestation, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, leads to flower drop, reducing fruit production, posing a threat to horticultural crops amid changing agricultural practices and climate conditions.

44. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL), recently seen in the news, is located in which state?

[A] Mizoram
[B] Manipur
[C] Tripura
[D] Assam

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Correct Answer: C [Tripura ] Notes:
The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura recently welcomed new additions, including two Royal Bengal tigers, two leopards, four golden pigeons, a silver pigeon, two peafowls, and four hill mynas. Established in 1972, the sanctuary spans 18.5 sq. km, featuring sections for different animal types. It houses diverse flora with 456 plant species and various fauna, including primates, leopards, clouded leopards, and a revived crab-eating mongoose. The sanctuary also boasts a rich avian population with species like winged stork and White ibis.

45. What is Brumation, recently seen in the news?

[A] A type of reptilian hibernation during warmer months
[B] A period of dormancy in reptiles that usually happens during colder months
[C] A term for the active and alert state of reptiles during hunting
[D] A process where reptiles shed their skin to adapt to environmental changes

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Correct Answer: B [A period of dormancy in reptiles that usually happens during colder months] Notes:
Researchers have documented brumation, a reptilian form of dormancy, in various species during colder months. This period of slowed activity allows reptiles like box turtles and snakes to retreat to sheltered areas, conserving energy and enduring scarce resources. Metabolism significantly decreases, enabling them to go weeks without eating. Brumation is crucial for survival in adverse environmental conditions, allowing reptiles to reemerge in more favorable climates for feeding and reproduction.

46. What is the primary habitat of Golden-backed Frog, recently seen in the news?

[A] Evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests
[B] Tropical rainforests
[C] Grasslands
[D] Deciduous forests

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Correct Answer: A [Evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests] Notes:
In the Western Ghats of India, scientists discovered a Bonnet mushroom growing on the Golden-backed Frog, endemic to Karnataka and Kerala. This thumb-sized frog thrives near water bodies in evergreen forests and faces threats like habitat loss, water pollution, and non-native species introduction. The surprising mushroom-frog interaction adds a unique aspect to understanding their ecology and highlights the challenges these frogs encounter in their natural habitat.

47. Recently, scientists discovered the world’s largest snake in which forest?

[A] Amazon Rainforest
[B] Congo Rainforest
[C] Atlantic Rainforest
[D] Southeast Asian Rainforest

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Correct Answer: A [Amazon Rainforest] Notes:
In February 2024, scientists uncovered the world’s largest anaconda in the Amazon rainforest—a colossal Northern Green Anaconda. Discovered by TV wildlife presenter Professor Freek Vonk during a National Geographic expedition, this previously unknown snake measures 26 feet, weighs 200 kg, and boasts a head the size of a human’s. Featured in National Geographic’s Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith, the snake has been named ‘Eunectes akayima’ by researchers, solidifying its status as the planet’s largest and heaviest snake.

48. Which north-eastern state recently signed an MoU with NTCA to establish the state’s first Special Tiger Protection Force?

[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Mizoram

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Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh] Notes:
The Arunachal Pradesh government has partnered with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to create its inaugural Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF). Home to three tiger reserves – Namdapha, Kamlang, and Pakke – the state lacked a dedicated protection force. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines the deployment of a specialized force comprising 336 personnel to enhance tiger conservation efforts in these reserves, addressing the previous gap in protection measures.

49. Similipal Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?

[A] Odisha
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Madhya Pradesh

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Correct Answer: A [Odisha] Notes:
Odisha has appealed to the NTCA to introduce tigers into Similipal Tiger Reserve to address the emergence of pseudo-melanistic tigers. Out of 30 tigers in the reserve, 13 adults exhibited pseudo-melanistic traits, a phenomenon unique to Similipal. This indicates potential inbreeding and strong stochastic effects. No other wild habitat globally has pseudo-melanistic tigers. The move seeks to enhance genetic diversity and preserve the unique characteristics of Similipal’s tiger population.

50. Melanochlamys Droupadi, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?

[A] Octopus
[B] Sea slug
[C] Crab
[D] Turtle

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Correct Answer: B [Sea slug] Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of head-shield sea slug, Melanochlamys Droupadi, along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal. Measuring up to 7 mm, it’s a small invertebrate with a brownish-black body and a distinctive ruby red spot. Inhabiting wet sandy beaches, the hermaphroditic slug forms a protective mucus sheath, leaving a trail like a turtle as it moves beneath the sand. Sea slugs, mollusks found in various marine environments, include 18 known species globally.

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