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Environment & Ecology

385 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2013 · Q29Environment & EcologyPollution & Waste Managementmoderate

Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. (a)1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  2. (b)1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
  3. (c)2, 4, 5 and 7 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
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Official answer(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

2013 · Q31Environment & EcologyEcosystems & Ecology Conceptsmoderate

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements: 1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other. 2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species. 3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2 only
  3. (c)1, 2 and 3
  4. (d)None
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2012 · Q3Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationmoderate

How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture? 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources. 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(c) 1 and 3 only

2012 · Q4Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationmoderate

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? 1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21 2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1) 3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A) Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2012 · Q5Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? 1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water. 2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water. 3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. 4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2 only
  3. (c)3 and 4 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4
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Official answer(b) 1 and 2 only

2012 · Q12Environment & EcologyRenewable Energy & Green Technologiesmoderate

Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification. 2. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. 3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2012 · Q17Environment & EcologyPollution & Waste Managementmoderate

Consider the following statements : Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used 1. in the production of plastic foams 2. in the production of tubeless tyres 3. in cleaning certain electronic components 4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3 only
  2. (b)4 only
  3. (c)1, 3 and 4 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4
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Official answer(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

2012 · Q41Environment & EcologyBiodiversity & Conservationmoderate

Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant? 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification. 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel. 3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes. 4. Its timber is of great commercial value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2, 3 and 4 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4
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Official answer(c) 1 and 3 only