Q. 1. Consider the following international agreements
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. (d)
Explanation
Statement 2 is correct
As per United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) website – ‘dynamics
of land, climate and biodiversity are intimately connected, the UNCCD collaborates closely
with the other two Rio Conventions; the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to meet these
complex challenges with an integrated approach and the best possible use of natural
resources.
Rest of the two are also associated with biodiversity..
Q. 2. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a
certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to
save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
It is an initiative of WWF
Q. 3. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what
does it imply?
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the
wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human
activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain
communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be
destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Answer. (a)
Explanation
Under Ramsar sites: Montreux record is the record of Ramsar sites where Changes in
ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a
result of human interference.
Therefore, answer is (A)
Alternatively, elimination method can also be used:
B is not correct as in Montreux accord, there is no legislation to prohibit any human activity.
C is not correct as Cultural diversity is not related to environment directly. It has links here
and there, but it is not a direct objective of any treaty.
D is not correct as World Heritage site comes under UNESCO.
Therefore, we are left with answer A
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Q. 4. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following
statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public
awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. 5. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to
underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer. (a)
Explanation
Statement (a) is correct and self explanatory
While (b) is tempting, but it’s not “direct scientific research” per se. Their task is mainly to
finance the projects and publication of reports.
(c)lt is a program under World Bank, therefore, c is wrong.
As answer B is wrong, therefore D is also wrong.
Q. 6. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of
the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories
to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical
experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer. (b)
Explanation
Statement 1 is wrong because: This organization is in partnership but not formed by Ramsar
convention. The organization was formed in 1954 and Ramsar convention was signed in
1971.
Statement 2 is right. Self-Explanatory
Q. 7. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of
Ganges River Dolphins?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. U se of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the
vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer. (c)
Explanation
Crocodile population has nothing to do with the decline in population of dolphins. It is human
activities that are mainly responsible.
Q. 8. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet
Earth?
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer. (c)
Explanation
In this question elimination does most of the work. Photosynthesis does not add, instead it
‘sucks’ out the carbon dioxide. So 3 cannot be in the answer. This eliminates
Option A and D. Volcanic action releases CO2 in the atmosphere. So 1 has to be in the
answer. This eliminates option B. So remaining option C is correct.
We have the final answer as (c) 1, 2 and 4 only.
Q. 9. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the
cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the
following is/are such bird/birds?
1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
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Answer. (b)
Explanation
Painted Stork is a fish eating bird. So 1 is eliminated.
Common Myna is an opportunistic feeder on insects, disturbed by grazing cattle.
Black-necked crane: Found in Trans-himalayan region.
Only found in Arunanchal Pradesh and Ladakh (WWF). So we are unlikely to find it while
walking through “country side” in all states and places.
It did not find any specific link that specifically says black crane eats “insects disturbed by
cattle”.
Therefore, answer (b) 2 only
Q. 9. With reference to Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of
human activities in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (d)
Explanation
Statement 1 is wrong. It is declared under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 2 is wrong. Tourism and other activities are allowed.
Therefore answer is D
Q. 10. Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Animal Welfare Board is established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts 1960
Q. 11. Consider the following pairs
Wetlands : Confluence of rivers
1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. (a)
Explanation
The wetland ecosystem of Harike lies on the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej and the main
water body (reservoir) came into existence when a barrage was constructed across the
confluence of the two rivers in 1952.
Q. 12. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with
traditional human life is the establishment of
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Answer. (a)
Explanation
IB is wrong because people don’t live in botanical gardens with plants.
C is wrong because in national park, human activity is totally prohibited.
ID: wildlife sanctuaries- human activity is partially allowed.
But “A” is better choice, because
, –>as per Forest ministry guideline:
“Biosphere Reserves are special entities (sites) for …how human beings and naturecan
“co-exist” while respecting each other’sneeds”
–>India yearbook: Biosphere reserve- goalis to foster economic Development which is
ecologically sustainable.
–>NIOS material: module-5, page 15: transition zone, the outermost part of the
Biosphere Reserve, is an area of “active cooperation” between the management and the
“local people”, wherein activities like settlements, cropping, forestry, recreation and other
economic that are in harmony with the conservation goals
Q. 13. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C
above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the
pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer. (b)
Explanation
3 and 4 are too extreme. There will be effects on wetlands and cereal cultivation. But not
total disappearance or no cultivation at all.
Q. 14. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in
India?
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (d)
Explanation:
In steel furnace, coke reacts with iron ore, releasing iron and generating CO and CO2 gases.
Due to use of coal, pollutants such as SOx and NOx are released, thus all are correct
options.
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