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

Total Questions: 61

31. Consider the following pairs: [2022-1]

List-I (Wetland/Lake) List-II (Location) 
1. Hokera WetlandPunjab
2. Renuka WetlandHimachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar LakeTripura
4. Sasthamkotta LakeTamil Nadu

How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Solution:Option (b) is correct: Only 2 pairs are correct

1. HOKERA WETLAND: JAMMU AND KASHMIR

2. RENUKA WETLAND: HIMACHAL PRADESH

3. RUDRASAGAR LAKE-: TRIPURA

4. SASTHAMKOTTA LAKE: KERALA

32. Consider the following: [2022-1]

1. Carbon monoxide

2. Nitrogen oxide

3. Ozone

4. Sulphur dioxide

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only
Solution:

• Acid Rain is the formation of precipitation in the form of rain, fog, mist or snow that becomes acidic because of the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere.
• The pollutants responsible for acid rain are sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that combine with water vapour to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
• These acids then return to the Earth’s surface through rain, snow, or fog, damaging soil, water, vegetation, and man-made structures.
• While normal rain is slightly acidic (pH around 5.6) due to dissolved carbon dioxide, acid rain has a pH much lower than this, often between 4.0–5.0.
The cycle of acid rain works in the following manner:
• Emission of Pollutants: Fossil fuel burning in industries, vehicles, and power plants releases SO₂ and NOₓ into the atmosphere.
• Chemical Reactions: These gases undergo oxidation and dissolve in water droplets, forming sulphuric and nitric acids.
• Deposition: The acids fall back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, fog, or dust, leading to acid deposition.

33. With referenceto Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: [2022-1]

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.

2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.

3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:Option 1 suggests that both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1, however, is not accurate because not all wild animals are solely the property of the government. Statement 2 is correct because when a wild animal gets the status of protected under the Indian law; it gets equal protection regardless of residing place. Option 2 proposes that only statement 2 is correct, which aligns with the provided answer. This statement is accurate in describing that a protected wild animal gets the same level of protection irrespective of where it is found. Option 3 indicates that both statements 1 and 3 are correct. As stated before, statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is also not entirely correct because not every fear of a protected wild animal becoming a threat to human life can justify its capture or killing. Specific rules and regulations need to be followed. Option 4 suggests that statement 3 is correct, which, due to the reasons above, is not. Just the apprehension of a threat is not sufficient ground for capturing or killing a protected wild animal. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.

34. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi ? [2022-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Ant
Solution:Option (a) is correct: Leafcutter ants cultivate fungal gardens by providing them with freshly cut leaves.
• The most famous example of fungus cultivation among the given options is found in the Attine ants, which are primarily found in the Americas. These ants collect plant material (like leaves, flowers, or grass) and bring it back to their nests. They then process this material into a suitable substrate upon which they grow a specific type of fungus. This fungus is the ants' primary food source. The ants actively manage the fungal gardens, removing pests and waste, and even using antibiotics produced by symbiotic bacteria on their bodies to control unwanted microorganisms.
• This relationship is a classic example of mutualism, where both the ants and the fungus benefit. The ants get a reliable food source, and the fungus gets a protected environment, a constant supply of nutrients, and dispersal by the ants.

35. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? [2022-1]

Correct Answer: (c) Central Ground Water Authority
Solution:Option (c) is correct: Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources in the country.
Objectives of Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Creation of authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection
• Coordination of the activities of the various regulatory agencies
• Regulation of discharge of environmental pollutants and handling of hazardous substances
• Speedy response in the event of accidents threatening the environment and Provision for deterrent punishments

36. Which one of the following best describes the term "green washing" ? [2022-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
Solution:

• Greenwashing refers to the practice where companies, organisations, or even countries make questionable or unverifiable claims about their products, services, or activities being environmentally friendly.
• It includes using misleading symbols, imagery, or language that highlights positive environmental aspects while concealing harmful ones.
Example: Dieselgate by Volkswagen
Types of Greenwashing
• Greenhushing: Companies withhold information about their sustainability goals and progress.
• Green-crowding: Hiding in a group to avoid scrutiny of unsustainable practices.
• Greenshifting: Shifting the responsibility of adopting sustainable measures onto consumers or individuals instead of taking meaningful corporate action.
• Greenlighting: Highlighting specific sustainability initiatives to distract from harmful activities.
• Greenlabelling: Using labels that suggest products are green or sustainable, which, upon closer examination, are misleading.

37. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: [2023-1]

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.

2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.

3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How may of the above statements are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) All three
Solution:The correct answer is (c), all three statements are correct. Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen that is produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. It is a clean and sustainable fuel that has the potential to play a major role in the transition to a low carbon economy. Green hydrogen can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion engines. It can also be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. In addition, green hydrogen can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

38. With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements: [2023-1]

Correct Answer: (d) None
Solution:The answer is (d). None of the statements are correct.

Some coal-based thermal power plants in India use seawater. For example, the Tata Mundra Ultra Mega Power Plant in Gujarat uses seawater for cooling.

Some coal-based thermal power plants in India are set up in water-stressed districts. For example, the Talcher Super Thermal Power Station in Odisha is located in a water-stressed district.

Some coal-based thermal power plants in India are privately owned. For example, the Adani Power Rajasthan Limited is a privately owned company that operates a coal-based thermal power plant in Rajasthan.

39. Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland? [2023-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Rann of Kutch
Solution:The correct answer is (d). The best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland is Rann of Kutch. The Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the western part of India. It is known for its vast expanse of marshy salt flats and mudflats.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is a vast area of seasonal salt marshes, grasslands, and forests located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the largest salt marshes in the world, covering over 12,000 square kilometres. The biosphere reserve was established in 2008 to protect the region’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
The Rann of Kutch is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, many of which are specially adapted to the harsh desert environment. The most famous animal species in the biosphere reserve is the Indian wild ass, locally known as the “ghudkhar.” This endangered species is one of the main attractions for visitors to the Rann of Kutch.
Apart from its rich biodiversity, the Rann of Kutch is also culturally significant. It is inhabited by various indigenous communities, including the Kutchi people, who have adapted their lifestyle to the desert environment. The region is known for its vibrant handicrafts, intricate embroidery work, and traditional art forms.

40. Consider the following statements: [2023-1]

Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Solution:St 1 right. Marsupials are naturally found in Australia as for NCERT, class 12 biology, chapter 7.

St 2 wrong. Montane forests are found in mountainous regions typically between 1,000 and 3,500 meters. Says NCERT Class9. But in Australian marsupials found in the lower regions as well. So, St 2 wrong. Therefore the answer is [c].