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Intense Revision Plan By Civils360 Day 3 Ecology
1. Consider the statements regarding Ground level ozone:
1. At the ground level, it is a pollutant.
2. Ozone plays a major role in Photochemical Smog.
3. Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide etc. play a major role in converting
O2 to O3 in ground level.
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans D
Explanation
● Ozone (O3) occurs naturally in the stratosphere. Here it absorbs harmful
ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant
(Greenhouse gas) with highly toxic effects.
● Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone
emissions. Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide etc. play a major role in
converting O2 to O3.
● Ozone makes our eyes itchy, and watery. It lowers our resistance to cold
and pneumonia.
● Photochemical smog occurs most prominently in urban areas that have
large numbers of automobiles (Nitrogen oxides are the primary
emissions). When pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (primary pollutant)
and volatile organic compounds (primary pollutant) react together in the
presence of SUNLIGHT, OZONE (Secondary pollutant) and peroxyacetyl
nitrate (PAN) (Secondary pollutant) are formed.
● Photochemical (summer smog) is formed when the primary pollutant
NO2 reacts with secondary pollutants 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the
presence of sunlight.
2. Recently India has implemented BS IV standards in country. In this
context which of the following statements is/are true regarding Catalytic
convertors?
1. It can convert unburnt hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.
2. Lead in the petrol inactivates the catalyst in catalytic converters
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 and 2
Ans C
Explanation
● Catalytic converter
● Proper maintenance of automobiles along with use of lead-free petrol or
diesel can reduce the pollutants they emit. Catalytic converters, having
expensive metals namely platinum-palladium and rhodium as the
catalysts, are fitted into automobiles for reducing emission of poisonous
gases.
● As the exhaust passes through the catalytic converter, unburnt
hydrocarbons are converted into carbon dioxide and water, and
carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are changed to carbon dioxide and
nitrogen gas, respectively.
● Motor vehicles equipped with catalytic converter should use unleaded
petrol because lead in the petrol inactivates the catalyst
3. Which of the following pollutants is/are added under National Air
Quality Index (AQI)?
1. PM 10
2. Lead
3. Carbon dioxide
4. Ammonia
5. Ozone
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1, 2 and 5
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(d) All the above
Ans C
Explanation
● There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately
polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. The proposed AQI will consider
eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for
which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient
Air Quality Standards are prescribed.
● http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=110654
4. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Acid Rain?
1. Acid rain is formed mainly due to gases such as sulphur dioxide and
oxides of nitrogen,
2. Acid precipitation affects only terrestrial organisms, buildings and
monuments.
3. The impact of acid rain on soil is less in India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans C
Explanation
● The impact of acid rain on soil is less in India; because Indian soils are
mostly alkaline, with good buffering ability
● Acid precipitation affects both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. It also
damages buildings and monuments
● Acid rain is caused by atmospheric pollution from acidic gases such as
sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emitted from burning of fossil
fuels. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and oxides of
sulphur in atmosphere can cause acid rains but oxides of nitrogen and
oxides of sulphur is the main reason
5. Why has an “ozone hole” appeared over Antarctica when ozone
depleting substances are present throughout the stratosphere?
1. Antarctic region has no or little terrestrial region.
2. Antarctica is colder than arctic and other regions of earth
3. Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric Clouds and inflow of
chlorofluorocarbons.
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans D
Explanation
● Air temperatures in both polar regions reach minimum values in the
lower stratosphere in the winter season. Average daily minimum values
over Antarctica are as low as −90°C in July and August in a typical year.
Over the Arctic, average minimum values are near −80°C in late
December and January. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are formed in
the polar ozone layer when winter minimum temperatures fall below the
formation temperature of about −78°C. This occurs on average for 1 to 2
months over the Arctic and 5 to 6 months over Antarctica
● PSCs exist in larger regions and for longer time periods in the Antarctic
than the Arctic
● https://www.nsf.gov/about/history/nsf0050/arctic/ozone.htm
● https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/assessments/ozone/2010/twentyquesti
ons/Q10.pdf
6. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding an aquatic
ecosystem?
1. Dissolved oxygen is the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in the
water
2. Biochemical Oxygen Demand measures the amount of oxygen in parts
per million required to oxidize organic and oxidizable inorganic
compounds in the water sample.
3. Chemical Oxygen Demand is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by
bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans A
Explanation
● Dissolved Oxygen is the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in the
water. Oxygen enters the water by direct absorption from the
atmosphere, by rapid movement, or as a waste product of plant
photosynthesis. Water temperature and the volume of moving water can
affect dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen dissolves easier in cooler water
than warmer water
● BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in
decomposing the organic wastes present in water. It is expressed in
milligrams of oxygen per litre of water. The higher value of BOD
indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable
materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring
pollution load in water.
● COD measures the amount of oxygen in parts per million required to
oxidize organic (biodegradable and nonbiodegradable) and oxidizable
inorganic compounds in the water sample.
7. Recently Bioremediation method is found to be effective in treatment
of contaminated/polluted regions. Which of the following bioremediation
methods are correctly paired
1. Bioventing: Injection of air under pressure below the water table to
increase groundwater oxygen concentrations
2. Biosparging: supply of air and nutrients through wells to contaminated
soil to stimulate the growth of indigenous bacteria.
3. Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are imported to a contaminated site to
enhance degradation process.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans B
Explanation
● Bioventing: supply of air and nutrients through wells to contaminated
soil to stimulate the growth of indigenous bacteria.
● Biosparging: Injection of air under pressure below the water table to
increase groundwater oxygen concentrations
● Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are imported to a contaminated site to
enhance degradation process.
8. Match the following
Pollutant
1. Cadmium
2. Nitrate
3. Mercury
4. Arsenic
Disease
A. Blue Baby Syndrome
B. Melanosis
C. Itai Itai
D. Minamata disease
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1-B 2-A 3-D 4-C
(b) 1-C 2-A 3-D 4-B
(c) 1-C 2-D 3-A 4-B
(d) 1-B 2-C 3- D 4- A
Ans B
Explanation
Please go through these type of data
9. Consider the following statements:
1. Keystone species is a species whose addition to or loss from an
ecosystem leads to major changes in occurrence of at least one other
species.
2. Flagship species is a dominant primary producer in an ecosystem both in
terms of abundance and influence.
3. Foundation species is a species chosen to represent an environmental
cause, such as an ecosystem in need of conservation.
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans A.
Explanation
● Keystone species is a species whose addition to or loss from an
ecosystem leads to major changes in occurrence of at least one other
species
● Certain species in an ecosystem is considered more important in
determining the presence of many other species in that ecosystem.
● All top predators (Tiger, Lion, Crocodile, Elephant) are considered as
keystone species because it regulates all other animal population
indirectly. Hence top predators are given much consideration in
conservation. If keystone species is lost, it will result in the degradation
of whole ecosystem. For example certain plant species (ebony tree,
Indian-laurel) exclusively depends upon bats for its pollination. If the bat
population is reduced then regeneration of particular plants becomes
more difficult.
● Foundation species is a dominant primary producer in an ecosystem
both in terms of abundance and influence. Example: kelp in kelp forests
and corals in coral reefs
● A flagship species is a species chosen to represent an environmental
cause, such as an ecosystem in need of conservation. These species are
chosen for their vulnerability, attractiveness or distinctiveness in order to
engender support and acknowledgement from the public at large.
Example: Indian tiger, African elephant,
10. Consider the statements regarding Bramble Cay Melomys:
1. It is the first mammal species wiped out by human-induced climate
change.
2. It was endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans A
Explanation
● Human-caused climate change appears to have driven the Great Barrier
Reef’s only endemic mammal species into the history books
● https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/first-caseemerges-of-mammal-species-wiped-out-by-human-induced-climatechange
11. Consider the statements regarding National Board for WildLife (NBWL):
1. It is constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
2. It is is chaired by India’s Prime Minister.
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans C
Explanation
● National Board for Wildlife is a “Statutory Organization” constituted
under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
● Purpose: to review all wildlife related matters and approve the projects in
and around the National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries.
● Its recommendations are Advisory in nature.
● It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
● Minister of Environment and Forests is its Vice chairman
12. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Eco-Sensitive
Zones(ESZs)?
1. State government is the authority to declare a region as Eco-Sensitive
Zones.
2. ESZs are declared under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
3. The purpose of the ESZ was to provide more protection to the parks by
acting as a shock absorber or transition zone.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans B
Explanation
● The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002–2016) of MoEFCC stipulated that
state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the
boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco fragile zones
or ESZs under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. The purpose of
the ESZ was to provide more protection to the parks by acting as a shock
absorber or transition zone. Eco-Sensitive Zones would minimise forest
depletion and man-animal conflict. The protected areas are based on the
core and buffer model of management. The core area has the legal status
of being a national park. The buffer area, however, does not have legal
status of being a national park and could be a reserved forest, wildlife
sanctuary or tiger reserve.
13. Which of the following statements is/are not true regarding
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)?
1. IUCN is an international NGO working in the field of nature conservation.
2. The pink pages in IUCN Red List include the critically endangered
species.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans C
Explanation
● (IUCN) is an international organization (NGO) working in the field of
nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
● It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects,
advocacy, lobbying and education.
● The organization is best known for compiling and publishing the IUCN
Red List, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide
● When discussing the IUCN Red List, the official term “threatened” is a
grouping of three categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered, and
Vulnerable
●
● The pink pages in this publication include the critically endangered
species. As the status of the species changes, new pages are sent to the
subscribers.
● Green pages are used for those species that were formerly endangered,
but have now recovered to a point where they are no longer threatened.
14. Consider the statements regarding Bengal Florican:
1. It is endemic to India
2. It is very well known for its mating dance.
3. It is mainly seen in West Bengal and Odisha in India.
Which among the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans B
Explanation
Bengal Florican
● A rare bustard species that is very well known for its mating dance.
● Habitat: Grasslands occasionally interspersed with scrublands.
● Distribution: Native to only 3 countries in the world - Cambodia, India
and Nepal. In India, it occurs in 3 states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Assam
and Arunachal Pradesh.
● Threats: Ongoing conversion of the bird's grassland habitat for various
purposes including agriculture is mainly responsible for its population
decline.
15. Which of the following is/are insectivorous plants?
1. Nepenthes
2. Drosera
3. Venus Fly Trap
4. Cuscuta
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans A
Explanation
Cuscuta is a parasitic plants while others are insectivorous. Please go through
the list of these unique featured plants
16. Which of the following is/are Greenhouse Gases?
1. Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
2. Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)
3. Nitrogen oxide (NO)
4. Methane (CH4)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All the above
Ans B
Explanation
● Oxides of Nitrogen with general formula NOx – NO, NO2 – Nitrogen oxide,
Nitrogen dioxide etc. are global cooling gasses while Nitrous oxide (N2O)
is a greenhouse gas
● Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. It is
produced from decomposition of animal wastes and biological matter
17. With reference to Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) ,
which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. TRAFFIC is an organ under United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. Traffic is complementary to Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 and 2
Ans B
Explanation
● TRAFFIC The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) TRAFFIC is
a non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild
animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and
sustainable development. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of World Wide
Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN.
Traffic is complimentary to
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES).
The programme was founded in 1976, with
headquarters now located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. TRAFFIC’s
mission is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat
to the conservation of nature. It investigates and analyses wildlife trade
trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to provide the leading knowledge
base on trade in wild animals and plant
18. Consider the following statements regarding biodiversity hotspots:
1. Asia-Pacific region accounts for the most number of biodiversity hotspots
in the world.
2. India is one of the megadiverse countries and also hosts four biodiversity
hotspots.
Which of the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans C
Explanation
● India has a very rich diversity of wild plants and animals and is
considered as one of the mega diverse country out of 17 mega diverse
countries of the world. India also hosts four biodiversity hotspots: the
Western Ghats, the Himalayas, the Indo–Burma and Sundaland hotspot
out of 34 biodiversity hotspots of the world. The Eastern Himalaya
hotspot covers Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and
Arunachal Pradesh, and the Indo- Burma hotspot covers all the other
Northeastern States.
● http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=72438
● http://www.bsienvis.nic.in/Database/Biodiversity-Hotspots-inIndia_20500.aspx
● There are actually conflicting views on number of biodiversity hotsots in
India. The above PIB document says there are four including sundaland.
Please refer the below link to know more about sundaland.
● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundaland
19. The National Green Tribunal has jurisdiction over all civil cases where
a substantial question relating to environment under the ambit of which
of the following Acts?
1. The Forest (Conservation) Act
2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
4. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
5. Forest Rights Act, 2006
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 , 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1 , 2 and 4 only
(d) All of the above.
Ans C
Explanation
● The Tribunal has Original Jurisdiction on matters of "substantial
question relating to environment" (i.e. a community at large is affected,
damage to public health at broader level) & "damage to environment due
to specific activity" (such as pollution). However, there is no specific
method defined in Law for determining "substantial" damage to
environment, property or public health.
● The acts listed in Schedule 1 are: The Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Cess Act, 1977; The Forest (Conservation) Act, The Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; The Biological Diversity Act,
2002.
20. Which of the following acts as carbon sinks?
1. Blue carbon
2. Brown Carbon
3. Green Carbon
4. Yellow Carbon
5. Black Carbon
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) Only 1 and 3
(b) Only 1, 2 and 3
(c) Only 1, 2, 3 and 5
(d) All of the above
Ans A
Explanation
● Blue Carbon refers to coastal, aquatic and marine carbon sinks held by
indicative vegetation, marine organisms and sediments. Green Carbon
refers to carbon removed and stored in plants and soil by processes like
photosynthesis. Black and Brown Carbon contribute to atmospheric
green house gases.