Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity MCQs - Set 4

1)   In recent times, the Wildlife and zoo managers have focussed on conserving endangered species such as Nilgiris Tahr, Nilgiris Langur and Lion Tailed Macaques (LTMs), which are on the verge of becoming extinct. What is / are advantages of the Captive Breeding Programme?
1.It eliminated the need to preserve critical habitats.
2.It is comparatively easy for highly mobile species such as migratory birds
3.It can be used to enhance the genetic diversity
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:


a. Only 1 & 2
b. Only 2 & 3
c. Only 1
d. 1, 2 & 3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Captive breeding is the process of breeding animals in human controlled environments with restricted settings, such as wildlife reserves, zoos and other conservation facilities; sometimes the process is construed to include release of individual organisms to the wild, when there is sufficient natural habitat to support new individuals or when the threat to the species in the wild is lessened. Captive breeding programs facilitate biodiversity and may save species from extinction. However, such programs may also reduce genetic diversity and species fitness. Captive breeding techniques are usually difficult to implement for highly mobile species like some migratory birds (e.g. cranes) and fishes (e.g. Hilsa). Species like large cetaceans (whales, dolphins, etc.) may also have some difficulties as it would be hard to meet their biological requirements in captivity, especially the vast amount of space required to keep large populations.


2)   With reference to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) , which among the following is a correct statement?

a. IUCN is known to save endangered species through dramatic, attention-grabbing protests
b. IUCN is an organization of multinational corporations united to fight conservation efforts
c. IUCN came up into existence after the Earth Summit of 1992
d. IUCN is a collaboration of both the governmental agencies and private conservation groups
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: IUCN is a collaboration of both the governmental agencies and private conservation groups

Explanation:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) works in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It was founded in the year 1948. It is a collaboration of both the governmental agencies and private conservation groups. IUCN publishes “Red List” compiling information from a network of conservation organizations to rate which species are most endangered in the world.


3)   The Bio-digester technology can solve the open defecation problem faced by India and contribute to Swachh Bharat Mission. Which among the following is / are features of Bio-digester developed by DRDO?
1. It requires no drainage system or sewage treatment plant
2. It requires periodic charging with anaerobic bacterial inoculums if it is in regular use
3. It produces green energy
Select the correct option from the codes given below:


a. Only 1 & 2
b. Only 2 & 3
c. Only 1 & 3
d. 1, 2 & 3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1 & 3

Explanation:
Bio-Digester bio-toilet is 100% maintenance free. It doesn’t need any external energy for treatment. It produces inflammable gas, which contains maximum amount of methane. It produces green energy (renewable cooking gas).


4)   Consider the following endangered fauna of India:
1: Nilgiri Mystus
2: Sociable Lapwing
3: Pygmy hog
Which among the above is / are mammals?


a. Only 1 & 2
b. Only 2 & 3
c. Only 3
d. Only 1 & 3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 3

Explanation:
Nilgiri mystus is a fish endemic to western ghats and is found in Cauvery River and its principal tributaries. Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarious) is a bird, winter migrant to India. This species has suffered a sudden and rapid population decline due to which it has been listed as critically endangered. Its habitat is Fallow fields and scrub desert. It is found in Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Oman. In India, distribution is restricted to the north and north-west of the country. The current threats to the bird include conversion of habitat to arable land, illegal hunting and proximity to human settlements. Pygmi Hog is a mammal.


5)   Which of the following are endangered bird species of India:
1. Narcondam hornbill
2. Himalayan quail
3. Nicobar flying fox
4. House Sparrow
Select the correct option from the codes given below:


a. Only 1 & 2
b. Only 1, 2 & 3
c. Only 2, 3 & 4
d. Only 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1 & 2

Explanation:
Nicobar Flying Fix is a mammal. House Sparrow comes under Least Concerned.


6)   The environmental change can present rapid and destructive influences on populations by causing:
1. Forced migration
2. Competition and conflict for natural resources
3. Political destabilization
Select the correct option from the codes given below:


a. Only 1 & 2
b. Only 2 & 3
c. Only 1 & 3
d. 1, 2 & 3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2 & 3

Explanation:
All the statement are correct.


7)   The National Green Tribunal has been given original and appellate jurisdiction on which among the following maters?
1. Water related matters
2. Air related matters
3. Forest related matters
4. Biodiversity related matters
5. Mining related Matters
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:


a. Only 3 & 4
b. Only 2, 3 & 4
c. Only 1, 2, 3 & 4
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1, 2, 3 & 4

Explanation:
The NGT was launched in October 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. NGT has got original as well as appellate jurisdiction on matters pertaining to Seven Acts related to water, air, forest conservation, environment protection and biological diversity. These acts are – Water Act, 1974, Water Cess Act 1977, Forest Act 1980, Air Act, 1981, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and Biodiversity Act, 2002.


8)   Consider the following fauna:
1: Common Crow
2: Fruit bats
3: Mice
4: Peacock
Which of the above have been specified as vermin under Wildlife Protection Act-1972?


a. 1, 2 & 3 Only
b. 1 & 2 Only
c. 1, 3 & 4 Only
d. 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2 & 3 Only

Explanation:
Wildlife Protection Act-1972 has specified only three animals — common crow, fruit bats, mice and rats as vermin


9)   Consider the following pairs:
1: Nitrate contamination in groundwater – Blue baby syndrome
2: Increase in Arsenic content of groundwater – Carcinogenic to humans
3: High sulphur content in groundwater – Common cause of acute diarrhea in children
Which of the above is/are correct?


a. 1 & 2 Only
b. 2 & 3 Only
c. 1 & 3 Only
d. 1, 2 & 3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2 & 3

Explanation:
All of the above are correctly matched


10)   Which of the following has been banned from being used in detergents in most parts of the world?

a. Sulphates
b. Phosphates
c. Nitrates
d. Carbonates
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Phosphates

Explanation:
Use of Detergent phosphates cause disastrous algal blooms in water, thus, polluting the environment. Use of phosphates in detergents has been banned in many countries.