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Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

Posted by Web IQ Quiz

Multiple choice questions on Environment, Ecology, and Biodiversity for General Knowledge papers in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC, and State PSC Examinations.

Environment & Biodiversity MCQs

“Dancing Deer” is found in which of the following states of India?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Manipur
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Jammu & Kashmir

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Manipur ] Notes:
Dancing Deer is the popular name of Sangai Deer, which is found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Loktak Lake in Manipur. Loktak is known for Phumdis (floating vegetation) and the deer often needs to balance itself on them, so it appears that they are dancing.

The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary (GAS) is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra ] Notes:
The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary (GAS) is a protected area of Aurangabad District and Jalgaon District of Maharashtra and covers an area of 26,061.19 hectares. It houses a variety of wildlife including chinkara, nilgai, sloth bears, jungle cat, wanderoo, leopard cat, etc.

The Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (MTWS) is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ] Notes:
The Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (MTWS) is located in Mandya district of Karnataka and is spread over 45.82 square kilometres. This sanctuary is primarily to house wolves. Other mammals found in this sanctuary include the jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. Around 230 species of birds have been observed here over the years. The Sanctuary has been known for its once abundant Cycas circinalis species, which in the recent time has been over exploited by the flower decorators and local doctors.

Which among the following plants is used as Green Manure?
[A] Wheat
[B] Sunhemp
[C] Cotton
[D] Rice

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sunhemp] Notes:
Sunhemp is used as Green Manure. Sunhemp as a green manure is needed be ploughed in 2 months after sowing when the plants begin to flower as it decomposes more rapidly and it will have a positive N balance at this stage.

Othalanga (Cerbera odollam), commonly known as the Suicide tree is found in which state of India?
[A] Kerala
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Karnataka
[D] Sikkim

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kerala ] Notes:
Cerbera odollam, commonly known as the Suicide tree, Pong-pong, and Othalanga. It is a species of tree native to India and other parts of southern Asia. It grows wild along the coast in many parts of Kerala. It yields a potent poison, often used for suicide or murder. The kernels of C. Odollam contain cerberin, a potent cardenolide glycoside belonging to the cardiac glycoside family of toxins that includes digoxin. The poison blocks the calcium ion channels in heart muscle, causing disruption of the heart beat. This is most often fatal. Cerberin is difficult to detect in autopsies and its taste can be masked with strong spices. Therefore it is often used in homicide and suicide in India.

Contamination of drinking water with which of the following causes Blackfoot disease (BFD)?
[A] Nitrates
[B] Arsenic
[C] Mercury
[D] Cadmium

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Arsenic ] Notes:
Arsenicosis or Black foot is caused by exposure over a period of time to Arsenic in drinking water. It may also be due to intake of arsenic via food or air. Kindly note that Itai-itai disease is caused by Cadmium poisoning.

Keoladeo Bird sanctuary is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Haryana
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Gujarath

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan] Notes:
Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds especially during the winter season.

Which among the following is the correct definition of Oxygen toxicity?
[A] A condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing oxygen at high pressures
[B] A condition resulting from the contamination of oxygen with Carbon Monoxide
[C] A condition in which the body as a whole or a tissue is deprived of adequate oxygen supply
[D] A condition in which due to water pollution, the aquatic animals in water bodies get died

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing oxygen at high pressures] Notes:
Oxygen toxicity is a concern for underwater divers, those on high concentrations of supplemental oxygen. It is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing oxygen at high pressures.

How many number of the Biogeographic zones are present in India?
[A] 4
[B] 8
[C] 10
[D] 15

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10] Notes:
10 Biogeographic zones are Trans Himalayan zone, Himalayan zone, Desert zone, Semiarid zone, Western ghat zone, Deccan plateau zone, Gangetic plain zone, North east zone, Coastal zone and Islands present near the shore line.

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, India’s only dolphin sanctuary, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Bihar
[C] Assam
[D] Uttar Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar] Notes:
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is located in the state of Bihar (Bhagalpur District). It is a protected area for endangered Gangetic dolphins (national aquatic animal of India). Ganges river dolphins are listed as endangered in 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is also included in the Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

11.During the tenure of which of the following prime ministers Lok Sabha never meet?
[A] Morar Ji Desai
[B] Chaudhary Charan Singh
[C] Inder Kumar Gujral
[D] H. D. Deve Gowda

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chaudhary Charan Singh] Notes:
Charan Singh remained Prime Minister from 28 July 1979 to 14 January 1980. During his term, Lok Sabha never met because the day before when Lok Sabha was to meet, Congress withdrew support from his government and he needed to resign. This was followed by fresh elections.

12.Comparing to other regions, the day night temperature difference will be maximum in which among the following regions?
[A] Tundra
[B] Mediterranean
[C] Tropical Deserts
[D] Equatorial

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tropical Deserts] Notes:
Tropical Deserts, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Arabian Desert in the Middle East, experience extreme temperature variations between day and night. These regions have some of the highest day-night temperature differences in the world.

13.The highest Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be expected in __?
[A] A running river
[B] A running polluted river
[C] Treated Municipal waste water
[D] Untreated Municipal waste water

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Untreated Municipal waste water] Notes:
BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic material. For untreated municipal wastewater, BOD would be maximum.

14.A rabbit is swallowed by a snake, which in turn by a falcon. What is the position of snake in this food chain?
[A] Producer
[B] Primary Consumer
[C] Secondary consumer
[D] Tertiary Consumer

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Secondary consumer] Notes:
In this food chain scenario, the snake occupies the position of a secondary consumer, as it consumes the primary consumer (rabbit) and is, in turn, consumed by the tertiary consumer (falcon).

15.Why is thermal pollution a problem for marine organisms?
[A] Marine Organisms are hot-blooded and thermal pollution may overheat them
[B] Marine Organisms live in narrow temperature range and thermal pollution may breakdown their metabolism
[C] Thermal pollution destroys the primary producers of the marine ecosystem and other organisms die because of food scarcity
[D] All of the above are correct explanations

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Marine Organisms live in narrow temperature range and thermal pollution may breakdown their metabolism] Notes:
Marine organisms live in a narrow temperature range, and thermal pollution can disrupt their metabolism, leading to adverse effects on their health and survival.

16.World’s first mangrove zoo has been proposed to be opened in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Tamil Nadu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [West Bengal] Notes:
The world’s first mangrove zoo has been proposed to be opened in Sunderbans, West Bengal, to conserve the endangered flora and fauna of the Sunderbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.

17.ECOMARC is a symbol related to which of the following?
[A] Goods safe for the environment
[B] Best quality
[C] Imported goods
[D] Exported goods

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goods safe for the environment] Notes:
Ecomark or Eco mark is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to products with the least impact on the ecosystem.

18.Which of the following are the Micro-elements needed to increase soil fertility?
[A] Nitrogen, hydrogen, and calcium
[B] Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
[C] Iron, calcium, and potassium
[D] Manganese, copper, and zinc

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manganese, copper, and zinc] Notes:
Micro-elements like manganese, copper, and zinc are needed in relatively small amounts to increase soil fertility.

19.‘Blight’ – the disease of potato can be cured by which of the following?
[A] Diathane
[B] Bordeaux mixture
[C] Dionine T-4
[D] Agrimycin and Ceresan

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bordeaux mixture] Notes:
Diseases such as blight in potatoes can be treated with Bordeaux mixture, which acts as a protective fungicide.

20.Fertility of soil can be improved by which of the following methods?
[A] Removing dead earthworms
[B] Adding dead earthworms
[C] Adding living earthworms
[D] Removing living earthworms and adding dead earthworms

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Adding living earthworms] Notes:
Adding living earthworms to the soil helps improve fertility by enhancing aeration, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling.

21.In which one of the following nations “Cox’s Bazar” is located?
[A] India
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Pakistan
[D] Afghanistan

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh] Notes:
Cox’s Bazar is located in Bangladesh on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is known for having the longest natural unbroken sea beach in the world and also for housing the largest refugee camp in the world.

22.Which of the following components are considered as the Biotic components?

Water
Soil
Symbionts
Non-green plants
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 4
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 3 & 4
[D] Only 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 3 & 4] Notes:
Biotic components of an ecosystem include living organisms such as symbionts and non-green plants among others.

23.The term ‘deep ecology’ was coined by which of the following?
[A] F.E. Clements
[B] Arne Naess
[C] E.P. Odum
[D] C. Raunkiaer

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Arne Naess] Notes:
The term ‘deep ecology’ was coined by the Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess in 1973. It represents an environmental movement and philosophy that views human life as just one component of a global ecosystem.

24.Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding ecosystem?
[A] It comprises both biotic and abiotic factors.
[B] It is a closed system.
[C] It has its own productivity.
[D] It is a natural resource system.

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a closed system.] Notes:
Ecosystems are typically open systems with continuous exchanges of energy and matter with their surroundings.

25.Which of the following statements are correct regarding dissolved oxygen?

Dissolved oxygen escapes the water body through the air-water interface and through the respiration process by organisms.
The amount of dissolved oxygen retained in water is not influenced by temperature.
Many aquatic organisms are likely to die when the dissolved oxygen level falls below 3-5 ppm.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 3] Notes:
Dissolved oxygen in water is affected by various factors including temperature and is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms.

26.Which of the following statements are correct regarding Wetlands?

India has totally 27,403 wetlands.
Inland wetlands are 3,959 and coastal wetlands are 23,444.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1] Notes:
India has a significant number of wetlands, with inland and coastal wetlands playing crucial roles in biodiversity conservation.

27.Arrange the following places with respect to the richness in species diversity:

Gulf of Kachchh
Lakshadweep Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Mannar
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2, 3, 4
[B] 2, 3, 1, 4
[C] 3, 2, 4, 1
[D] 3, 4, 2, 1

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [3, 2, 4, 1] Notes:
The richness of species diversity varies across different marine regions, with Andaman and Nicobar Islands being particularly rich.

28.Common batagur or the Northern River Terrapin is found in which of the following places?

Bangladesh
Cambodia
India
Indonesia
Malaysia
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2, 3 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Notes:
The Common batagur or the Northern River Terrapin is distributed across several Southeast Asian countries.

29.Which of the following statements are correct about Durrell’s vontsira?

It is a Madagascan mammal which belongs to the family Eupleridae of the order Carnivora.
Its scientific name is Salanoia durrelli.
It is found only in the Lac Alaotra area in Madagascar.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3] Notes:
Durrell’s vontsira is a unique mammal species found exclusively in the Lac Alaotra area of Madagascar.

30.Aichi Biodiversity targets are a set of how many targets?
[A] 10
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 25

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20] Notes:
The Aichi Biodiversity targets, agreed upon during the COP-10 meeting in Nagoya, Japan, consist of 20 targets aimed at biodiversity conservation.

31.What is the status of Western Chimpanzee on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?
[A] Endangered
[B] Critically Endangered
[C] Threatened
[D] Vulnerable

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Critically Endangered] Notes:
The Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

32.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the “Ramsar List”?

At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting Party designates at least one site for inclusion in the Ramsar List.
The addition of a site to the Ramsar List confers upon it the prestige of international recognition.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2] Notes:
At the time of joining the Ramsar Convention, each Contracting Party designates at least one site for inclusion in the Ramsar List. The addition of a site to the Ramsar List confers upon it the prestige of international recognition.

33.International Plant Protection Convention was established in which of the following year?
[A] 1919
[B] 1944
[C] 1951
[D] 1959

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1951] Notes:
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) was established in the year 1951. It encourages cooperation among contracting parties to prevent the transboundary movement of plant pests.

34.Which of the following is/are the criteria to be included World Heritage Sites of UNESCO?

The site should represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
The site bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or has disappeared.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2] Notes:
Criteria for inclusion as World Heritage Sites include representing a masterpiece of human creative genius and bearing a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or civilization.

35.What is the rank of India in the world in terms of plant diversity?
[A] 2nd
[B] 4th
[C] 7th
[D] 10th

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [10th] Notes:
India ranks tenth in the world and fourth in Asia in terms of plant diversity. The country’s plant diversity is concentrated in regions like the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Northeast India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

36.Which of the following salts is the main cause of permanent hardness of water?
[A] Magnesium sulphate
[B] Calcium Sulphate
[C] Magnesium carbonate
[D] Calcium Carbonate

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Magnesium sulphate] Notes:
Magnesium sulfate is a primary cause of permanent hardness in water. It contributes to the presence of dissolved magnesium ions, leading to the formation of scale deposits.

37.Bureau of Energy Efficiency was founded in which of the following year?
[A] 2001
[B] 2002
[C] 2003
[D] 2004

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2002] Notes:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was founded in the year 2002. It operates under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and aims to implement the Energy Conservation Act of 2001.

38.Which of the following countries does not come under the top 4 emitters of Greenhouse gases?
[A] China
[B] U.S.A
[C] Australia
[D] India

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia] Notes:
Australia is not among the top four emitters of greenhouse gases. The top emitters globally are China, the United States, the European Union, and India.

39.The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in which of the following year?
[A] 1991
[B] 1992
[C] 1993
[D] 1994

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1992] Notes:
The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in 1992 to ensure the effective follow-up of the Earth Summit. It operates as a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

40.Which of the following statements are correct regarding Environment Impact Assessment?

Screening is done based on the type and location of development only.
The state of the ecosystem as it exists prior to the project and its potential effects is known as Baseline Data.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2] Notes:
Screening for Environment Impact Assessment is based on the scale, type, and location of development. The state of the ecosystem before the project, along with its potential effects, is known as Baseline Data.

41.In which of the following industries, Hydrofluorocarbons are used?

Refrigerants
Aerosol propellants
Fire retardants
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3] Notes:
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used in various industries, including refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and fire retardants. These organic compounds, containing fluorine and hydrogen, pose environmental threats.

42.Which of the following is the correct full form of UNFCCC?
[A] United Nations Framework Corporation on Climate Change
[B] United Nations Framework Convention on conservation of Climate
[C] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
[D] United Nations Facility for conservation of Climate Change

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] Notes:
UNFCCC stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is an international environmental treaty that came into force on March 21, 1994.

43.Which of the following statements are correct regarding India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC?

India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level.
India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by increasing forest and tree cover by 2030.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2] Notes:
India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to UNFCCC includes reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP and creating an additional carbon sink by increasing forest and tree cover.

44.Which part of the Kamalatree, found in Karnataka, is used in making dyes?
[A] Flowers
[B] Leaves
[C] Stem
[D] Fruits

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Fruits] Notes:
The glandular part of the Kamala tree’s fruits yields a dye called kamala powder, known for its rich golden-red color. It is also used as a coloring agent in food processing.

45.The sum of genes in a population is called ____:
[A] Phenotype
[B] Karyotype
[C] Genotype
[D] Gene pool

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gene pool] Notes:
The gene pool represents the sum of all the genes, including all the different alleles, in a population at a particular time. It contributes to the genetic diversity within a population.

46.Green House Effect means _____:
[A] Cultivation of crops in a greenhouse to conserve heat
[B] Trapping of solar energy due to carbon dioxide gases
[C] Trapping of solar energy by the earth’s upper surface
[D] Increase in heat due to atmospheric pollution

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Trapping of solar energy due to carbon dioxide gases] Notes:
The Greenhouse Effect refers to the trapping of solar energy by greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide. It leads to an increase in average temperatures on the Earth’s surface.

47.Cactus is referred to as _____:
[A] Hydrophyte
[B] Mesophyte
[C] Xerophyte
[D] Epiphyte

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Xerophyte] Notes:
Cactus is classified as a xerophyte, adapted to survive in hot and dry environments. Xerophytes have features like modified leaves and the ability to store water to thrive in arid conditions.

48.Microbial degradation of nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen is known as _____:
[A] Ammonification
[B] Denitrification
[C] Nitrification
[D] Putrefaction

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Denitrification] Notes:
Denitrification is the microbial process that converts nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen or nitrogen oxides. Bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, play a crucial role in this process.

49.Potential of air pollution increases when the ventilation coefficient is _____:
[A] > 11,000 m2/s
[B] > 7,600 m2/s
[C] < 3,600 m2/s
[D] < 6,000 m2/s

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [< 6,000 m2/s] Notes:
A lower ventilation coefficient, such as less than 6,000 m2/s, indicates reduced atmospheric dispersion, leading to an increased potential for air pollution.

50.“Bhagirathi” is a headstream of which of the following river?
[A] Indus
[B] Ganga
[C] Narmada
[D] Brahmaputra

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ganga] Notes:
Bhagirathi is one of the two headstreams of the Ganga, the other being Alaknanda. It originates from Gaumukh and merges with Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga River.

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