Issues on Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change (Part-II)

Total Questions: 50

11. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the "Montreux Record'', what does it imply? [2014-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
Solution:The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
  • The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty for “the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands”. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands.
  • The convention is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran where it was signed on 2nd of February 1971. Since then, the 2nd of February each year is celebrated as the World Wetlands Day.
  • The number of parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP) is 172.
  • At the centre of the Ramsar philosophy is the “wise use” of wetlands.
  • Wise use: maintenance of ecological character within the context of sustainable development.

12. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society consider the following statements: [2014-1]

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?

Correct Answer: (c) 2 & 3 only
Solution:The Bombay Natural History Society is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
  • BNHS was started by eight amateur naturalists of Mumbai, of which two were Indians.
  • The guiding principle of BNHS has been that conservation should be based on scientific research – a tradition exemplified by its former president, Dr Sálim Ali – world renowned ornithologist and receiver of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards by Government of India.
  • Today, BNHS has a vibrant presence at dozens of places across India covering diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, mountains, deserts and marine areas.
  • This includes work in the Global Biodiversity Hotspots such as Western Ghats and eastern Himalaya. Over 150 scientists and professionals work on and off the field to further the tasks of research, conservation and nature education.
  • BNHS has been designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and is the Partner of BirdLife International in India.

13. With reference to ''Global Environment Facility", which of the following statements is/are correct? [2014-1]

Correct Answer: (a) It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'.
Solution:
      • About Global Environment Facility:
  • It was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit of UNFCC to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems.
  • It is a family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health.
  • It provides financial assistance for five major international environmental conventions:
  • Minamata Convention on Mercury.
  • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
  • United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
  • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • It has 184 member countries, including India.
  • The governing council is the main governing body of GEF which comprises 32 members appointed by constituencies of GEF member countries (14 from developed countries, 16 from developing countries, and two from economies in transition).
  • Secretariat: Its secretariat is based in Washington, D.C.
  • The GEF Trust Fund was established to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems.
  • Funds are available to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to meet the objectives of the international environmental conventions and agreements

14. Consider the following pairs: [2014-1]

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve: Mizoram

2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim

3. Saramati Peak: Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Solution:

Dampa Tiger Reserve is in the western limit of Mizoram. On the West, the reserve is bound by the Chittagong hill tracts Sazek hill range) of Bangladesh. The Dampa Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Mizoram. The rich rainforests of Dampa harbour several species such as the swamp deer, tiger, leopard, elephant, and hoolock gibbon. It is probably one of the last few safe havens for the tiger and a host of other animal and bird species. So, pair 1 is matched correctly.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura shelters elephants, sambar, bison, barking deer, sarow and wild goats, and many more. Reptiles have also found a home in the sanctuary. So, pair 2 is not matched correctly.
Saramati is the highest peak in Nagaland and is located on the Nagaland-Myanmar border and the closest village to the base of this peak is Thanamir in Kiphire district of Nagaland. So, pair 3 is matched correctly.
Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

15. With reference to a conservation organization called "Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/ are correct? [2014-1]

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.

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:This organization is in partnership but not formed by Ramsar convention. The organization was formed in 1954 and Ramsar convention was signed in 1971.
"Wetlands International", It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Objectives & Functions of Wetlands International
  • It works in many thematic areas throughout the world, including the links between peatlands and climate change, as well as wetlands and waterbird migration, based on extensive research as well as field projects.
  • It coordinates the International Waterbird Census, a large-scale citizen science project with decades of data.
  • The NGO works in over 100 countries and at different scales to tackle problems affecting wetlands.
  • With the support of dozens of Governmental, NGO and corporate donors and partners, it supports about 80 projects.
  • Its work ranges from research and community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement with Governments, corporate and international policy fora and conventions.
  • It works through partnerships and is supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert network and thousands of volunteers.

16. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? [2014-1]

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. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Solution:The construction of dams and barrages on rivers, getting trapped in fishing nets accidently and use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields near the rivers are the reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges river Dolphins.
About Gangetic Dolphin
  • It is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
  • It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
  • Common Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
  • Scientific name: Platanista gangetica
  • As an indicator of the health of the freshwater ecosystem, the Ganges River Dolphin has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal

17. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? [2014-1]

1. Volcanic action

2. Respiration

3. Photosynthesis

4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Solution:Volcanic action, Respiration and decay of organic matter adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth. However, photosynthesis uses Carbon dioxide to produce food.
Carbon Cycle Process
  • The carbon cycle regulates the movement of carbon between organisms, the earth, and the atmosphere through processes like assimilation, consumption, and respiration. These are explained below in detail:
  • Assimilation of Carbon: CO2 enters plants through stomata and is converted into sugars via photosynthesis, called carbon assimilation or fixation.
  • Consumption of Fixed Carbon: Fixed carbon moves through food chains, as herbivores eat plants and carnivores consume herbivores. It eventually returns to the atmosphere through respiration and decomposers.
  • Aerobic Respiration and CO2 Release: Organisms release CO2 and energy through aerobic respiration. Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing carbon during mineralization.
  • Temporary Carbon Storage: In swamps and marshes, incomplete decomposition forms peat or coal. In oceans, carbon is stored in calcium carbonate, forming shells and limestone sediments.
  • Rising CO2 Levels and Global Warming: Increased atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuel burning and deforestation enhances the greenhouse effect, causing global warming, sea-level rise, and climate change..

18. 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. [2014-1]

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.

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:
  • The Painted Stork has got their name on account of their distinctive pink tertial feathers. They have a heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip that gives them a resemblance to an ibis. They forage in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes. They immerse their half-open beaks in water and sweep them from side to side and snap up their prey of small fish that are sensed by touch. On account of their large beaks, they are able to feed on fish and not on insects. So, point 1 is not correct.
  • The common myna is a bird in the family Sturnidae, native to Asia. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the common myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments. They feed on the ground walking with occasional hops among grass looking for insects, and especially for grasshoppers. So, point 2 is correct.
  • The high-altitude wetlands in the Tibetan plateau are the main breeding ground of the Black-necked Crane. These wetlands with small mounds provide an excellent habitat for the birds for breeding. These birds winter at lower altitudes where they feed mainly on the leftovers in rice and potato fields. This species is found in India, China, and Bhutan and breeds in high-altitude wetlands in the Tibetan plateau at elevations of 2950-4900 m above mean sea level. So, point 3 is not correct.
  • Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

19. With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? [2014-1]

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.

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:Eco-sensitive zones are ecological important area under environment protection Act 1986 around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries prohibiting resting certain human activities in the zone.
Activities Around ESZs:
  • Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
  • Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g., adoption of heavy technology, pesticides etc, widening of roads.
  • Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, adoption of green technology for all activities.

20. Consider the following statements: [2014-1]

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?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 & 3 only
Solution:The Animal Welfare Board of India was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The National Tiger Conservation Authority is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests and is a statutory body.

National Ganga River Basin Authority was established by the Central Government of India, on 20 February 2009. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority.