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

Total Questions: 50

11. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered? [2016-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Andaman Islands
Solution:Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of banana from a remote tropical Krishna Nalan rain forest on the Little Andaman islands. The new species is about 11 metres high, whereas as the usual banana species is about three to four meters high. The fruit pulp is orange in colour, distinctive from the white and yellow color of regular bananas. Hence (a) is the correct answer.

12. With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: [2016-1]

1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:(1) Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names Red Sanders, Red Sandalwood, and saunderswood, is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red color of its wood. The wood is not aromatic.

(ii) It was in national media during April 2015, when Andhra Pradesh police killed 20 Red Sander smugglers in an encounter. So first statement is right.

(iii)Red Sanders is associated with Tropical dry deciduous forest, as per environment ministry website, Hence 2nd statement wrong.

13. The term M-STRIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of: [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
Solution:

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has upgraded monitoring mechanism for the Tigers in tiger reserves (TRs) of the country by introducing Monitoring System for Tiger-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status, known as M-STrIPES.
• The android-based monitoring software, M-STrIPES, will be used across all the TRs of the country.
• The system’s objective is to strengthen patrolling and surveillance of the endangered Bengal Tiger. Forest guards in tiger reserves are equipped with personal digital assistants and GPS devices to capture data relating to tiger sightings, deaths,

14. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Solution:

• Kuno National Park boasts a remarkable biodiversity, harbouring numerous species of flora and fauna.
• The park is home to an impressive range of mammals, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, and more.
• Avian enthusiasts can spot a diverse array of bird species, including the Indian eagle owl, painted stork, paradise flycatcher, and Indian roller.
• Reptiles such as the Indian python, monitor lizard, and several species of snakes also find refuge within the park’s boundaries.
• One of the most notable aspects of Kuno National Park’s wildlife conservation efforts is its potential role in the reintroduction of Asiatic lions and Cheetahs.
• Historically, Asiatic lions thrived across vast regions of Asia, but their population dwindled dramatically due to hunting and habitat loss.
○ Today, the Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only natural habitat for these majestic big cats. Recognizing the need for a second home for Asiatic lions, the Indian government selected Kuno National Park for their reintroduction.

15. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
Solution:

• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972) is an environmental legislation enacted by the Government of India to protect the country’s wildlife and their habitats.
• It provides a legal framework for the conservation of various species of flora and fauna and regulates activities that could harm them.
• The Act categorizes flora and fauna into six schedules with varying levels of protection.
Schedule I & II: Endangered species; absolute protection; highest penalties (1–6 years imprisonment + fine). Example: Tiger, Elephant.
Schedule III & IV: Species not endangered; lesser penalties. Example: Hyena, Nilgai.
Schedule V: Vermin species that may be hunted with license. Example: Crows, Rats.
Schedule VI: Regulation of cultivation and trade of specific plants. Example: Beddomes’ cycad.

16. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? [2017-1]

1. Gharial

2. Indian wild ass

3. Wild buffalo

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:The schedule 5 vermin- crow, fruit bat, mice and rat can be killed. Since the animals given in above MCQ are outside that list hence answer is "D".
WPA Provisions Regarding Hunting of Animals
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits hunting of animals belonging to Schedule I–IV in general but exceptional protection is provided to Schedule I animals, which can be hunted only with permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW).
○ He decides whether an animal has become dangerous to human life or property or disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery.
• Without a license from the Chief Wildlife Warden, it is illegal to hunt any wild animals except Vermin.
• The Chief Wildlife Warden may grant a special permit to hunt a wildlife animal for the purpose of education, scientific research, management and collection of specimens for Zoological gardens, museums etc.

17. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (b) Chambal River
Solution:Gharials are river dwelling fish-eaters and their only viable population is in the Chambal Sanctuary. So "B" should be the answer.
About Gharials
• It is a freshwater crocodile belonging to the Crocodylia Order and Crocodylidae Family.
• The name ‘gharial’ comes from the Hindi word ghara, meaning pot or vessel, referring to the bulbous snout tip of adult males, which resembles an inverted pot.
• Distribution: Its range spanned the rivers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Their major population occurs in three tributaries of the Ganga River: The Chambal and Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Narayani River in Nepal.
• The gharial reserves of India are located in three States: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

18. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Solution:A. The Eastern and Western Ghats Meet at Nilgiri hills. B. Nilgiri hills are in Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Now, If there is a place serving as Ecological link between Eastern and Western Ghats, then most likely it ought to be in Tamil Nadu, than in Karnataka, because of the location. "A" is the most fitting answer because it's located in Tamil Nadu.
About Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
• It is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
• It covers an area of over 1,400 sq.km.
• It is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
• Together, these reserves forming the Nilgiri biosphere landscape, have the biggest tiger population in the world, at over 280 tigers.
• The region was once part of the traditional hunting grounds of local rulers and also played a strategic role as a passage between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, owing to its position along the historic Mysore–Tamil Nadu trade routes.
• The terrain is hilly and undulating with altitude ranging between 750 m and 1649 m.

19. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): [2017-1]

1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:

• The TRAFFIC, the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, is a leading non-governmental organisation working on wildlife trade in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• It is a joint program of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• It aims to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
• It was established in 1976 and has developed into a global network, research-driven and action-oriented, committed to delivering innovative and practical conservation solutions.
• Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Illegal wildlife trade is one of the main reasons that many species are endangered.
How is it Governed?
• The TRAFFIC is governed by the TRAFFIC Committee, a steering group composed of members of TRAFFIC’s partner organizations, WWF and IUCN.
• TRAFFIC also works in close co-operation with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• Its staff includes experts from a plethora of backgrounds: biologists, conservationists, academics, researchers, communicators or investigators, etc.

20. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? [2017-1]

1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.

2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.

3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Solution:Statement 1 is right (by common knowledge) but for the sake of reference- This eliminates "B". Second statement should be wrong because of the extreme word "drastic". This eliminates "D".

Besides I'm unable to find any specific reference that mentions linkage between butterfly population vs fungus infection. Birds and spiders tend to prey on butterflies (by common knowledge) so statement 3 is a possible outcome. Hence answer "C": 1 and 3 only.