Monday, 1 February 2016

IAS Prelims previous questions (2011): Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and climate change


Q. 1. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
a) Presence of Prominent Tropospheric Turbulence; and inflow of Chlorofluorocarbons.
b)Presence of Prominent Polar front & Stratospheric clouds & inflow of Chlorofluorocarbons.
c) Absence of Polar front & Stratospheric clouds and inflow of Methane and Chlorofluorocarbons.
d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.

Q. 2 Regarding “Carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto protocol.
b) The carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of CO2 emission.
d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the UNEP.

Q. 3 Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats – Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemisn
4. Ethno botanical importance
5. Threat Perception
6. Adaptation of flora & fauna to warm & humid conditions.
Which three of the above are correct criterion in this context?
        a)      1,2 & 6
        b)      2, 4 & 6
        c)       1, 3 & 5
        d)      3, 4 & 6

Q. 4 In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine up welling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the
1. Decomposer micro organisms to the surface.
2. Nutrients to the surface
3. Bottom – dwelling organisms to the surface

Which of the statements above is/are correct?
a)      1 and 2
b)      2 only
c)       2 and 3
d)      3 only

Q. 5 The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
           a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
           b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.
          c) Exotic & invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
          d) It has less human interference.

Q. 6 With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts.
1.       Import and Export (control) Act, 1947
2.       Mining & mineral development (regulation) act, 1957
3.       Customs Act, 1962
4.       Indian Forest Act, 1927
 Which of the above Acts have relevance to bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?
      a)      1 and 3 only
      b)      2, 3 and 4 only
      c)       1, 2, 3 and 4
      d)      None of the above Acts

Q. 7 There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the sea waters  of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries .
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3. Up welling in the seas
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
a)       1 only
b)      1 and 2 only
c)       2 and 3 only
d)      1, 2 and 3

Q. 8 A sandy & saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following would be that animal?
a) Indian wild buffalo
b) Indian wild ass
c) Indian wild boar
d) Indian Gazelle

Q. 9 Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways.
1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4 Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
       a)     1, 2 & 3 only
       b)      2, 3 & 4 only
       c)      1 & 4 only
       d)     1, 2, 3 & 4

Q. 10 The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do Mangroves function as a safety hedge?
a) The Mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people      neither live not venture out.
b) The mangroves provide both food & medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
c) The Mangrove tress are tall with dense canopies and serves as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami
d) The mangrove tress do not get uprooted by storms & tides because of their extensive roots.

Q. 11 The Red data books published by the International Union for conservation of nature & Natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hot spots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
       a)      1 and 3
       b)      2 only
       c)       2 and 3
       d)      3 only

Q. 12 Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes
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