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Environment & Ecology

385 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2014 · Q1Environment & EcologySustainable Agriculture & Forestrymoderate

What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this. 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this. 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

2014 · Q2Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitseasy

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

  1. (a)Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
  2. (b)The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
  3. (c)The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
  4. (d)It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
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Official answer(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference

2014 · Q5Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationmoderate

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements : 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. 3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2014 · Q6Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsmoderate

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. (a)It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'
  2. (b)It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
  3. (c)It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
  4. (d)Both (a) and (b)
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Official answer(a) It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'

2014 · Q10Environment & EcologyWater & Wetland Conservationmoderate

With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(b) 2 only

2014 · Q14Environment & EcologyBiodiversity & Conservationmoderate

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 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

2014 · Q53Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

2014 · Q56Environment & EcologyWater & Wetland Conservationmoderate

What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2, 3 and 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

2014 · Q64Environment & EcologySustainable Agriculture & Forestrymoderate

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements : 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)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

2014 · Q79Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ : 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO. 2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year. 3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2014 · Q95Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationmoderate

With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(d) Neither 1 nor 2