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]

(a) Andaman Islands
(b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills
(d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

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?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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]

(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways

Correct Answer: (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves

Solution:National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is planning to implement a new computerized tiger monitoring protocol in all tiger reserves of the country known as Monitoring System for Tiger, Intensive Patrolling and Ecological Status (MSTrIPES).

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]

(a) Corbett National Park
(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park

Correct Answer: (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Solution:Even if you eliminate Corbett (Uttrakhand) and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) for climatic reasons for Lion relocation, still you're left with Sariska (Rajasthan). Sariska being a tiger reserve, would sound unfit for lion immigration. So by elimination answer would be "B". and Indianexpress report confirm it.

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]

(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both b and c stated above are correct in this context.

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

Solution:Tiger is given as Schedule I animal. So "A" is correct.

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:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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".

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

(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) DeeporBeel

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.

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]

(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

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.

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?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:First statement is wrong because TRAFFIC is joint program of WWF and IUCN and Second statement is correct because verbatim given in the organization's official page.

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.