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2011 UPSC Prelims Questions and Solutions

1. 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 and 3 only

(b.) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c.) 1 and 4 only

(d.) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Common sense.
• Soil formation by humus
• Prevention  of soil erosion by plants
• Pollination by birds
• All 4 options indirectly asked in previous year papers

2. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora? 

(a.) Biosphere Reserve

(b.) Botanical Garden

(c.) National Park

(d.) Wildlife Sanctuary

• Covered in tut bits
• Ridiculously Easy
• You can also easily spot odd option out

3. Consider the following statements:

1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.

1. 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

• Simple common sense.
• Compare equator with poles
• Compare hill slopes / valleys with mountain  peak

4. 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. Endemism
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

(a.) 1, 2 and 6

(b.) 2, 4 and 6

(c.) 1, 3 and 5

(d.) 3, 4 and 6

Simple, covered in tit bits

Areas with high endemic biodiversity at the risk of extinction

5. Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

Which one of the following could be this?

(a.) Bhitarkanika

(b.) Chandipur-on-sea

(c.) Gopalpur-on-sea

(d.) Simlipal

• Covered in geography
• Bhutarkanika asked time and time again

6. A sandy and 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 could be that animal?

(a.) Indian wild buffalo

(b.) Indian wild ass

(c.) Indian wild boar

(d.) Indian gazelle

• Simple, asked before
• Indian wild as, critically endangered
• Found in rann of kutch

7. 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 bio-geographical zones

(c.) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region

(d.) It has less human interference

Covered in geography

8. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?

1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a.) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b.) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c.) 2 and 4 only

(d.) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Bio so you can guess it’s not based on fossil fuels
• So made from renewable resources not non renewable
• Organic waste material is bio
• Renewable is of course eco friendly
• Eliminate statement 2

8. Consider the following:

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur

Which of the above is/are the emission/ emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?

(a.) 1 only

(b.) 2 and 3 only

(c.) 1 and 3 only

(d.) 1, 2 and 3

• Simple,
• Coal us not pure so oxides of nitrogen and sulfur would also be emitted
• See, similar question on quality of coal was asked couple of years later

9. 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 tropo-spheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

(b.) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric’ clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

(c.) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons

(d.) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming

• B and c are contradictory, one true
• You know about polar front and stratospheric clouds from your geography

10. 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.) 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 carbon dioxide emission

(d.) Carbon credits are- traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme

• Price is always market determined that’s why price keeps on fluctuating
• D is obviously incorrect
• Other 3 statements are true, basic common sense 2 and 3
• Statement 1 is common knowledge

11. There is a concern: over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters 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. Upwelling 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

• Eutrophication/ algal bloom
• Basically whatever leads to high nutrient concentration in sea/lake
• 1 is obvious
• Run off would lead to nutrient discharge from farms/ fertilisers etc.
• Upwelling leads to arrival of cold nutrient rich water on surface

12  The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of:

1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots,
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

• Simple
• Threaten species world over
• 1 is incorrect as it’s about Endemism
• 3rd is about protected sites

13. Human activities in the recent past have Caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of :

1. its escape into the outer stratosphere.
2. the photosynthesis by phyto-plankton in the oceans.
3. the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a.) 1 and 2

(b.) 2 only

(c.) 2 and 3

(d.) 3 only

• 2nd is obviously correct. Photosynthesis on oceans will reduce co2 from air
• 1st statement is BS. air does not escape
• 3rd, I am not sure, check the official key someone

14. In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the:

1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. nutrients to the surface.
3. bottom-dwelling organisms to- the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a.) 1 and 2

(b.) 2 only

(c.) 2 and 3

(d.) 3 only

• Sort of interval repeat
• Upwelling leads to algal bloom – asked in the question above
• Nutrient rich water comes on the surface
• Organisms would remain where they are

15. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and 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

• 4th is obvious
• 1st would cover import and export of plants/animals/wood, CITES provision etc.
• Include 1 and 4

P.S. That completes analysis of last 5 years ecology portion.

P.P.S. = Science and art and culture depending on time. Will try my best. No promises

Pre 2012

1. Consider the following kinds of organisms :

1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Flowering plants

Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

All of then can be depending on the properties of specific species

2. 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 :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

• 2nd only, red flag, pause and think, why not other gases. Nitrogen is also part of biomass
• 3rd not in internal combustible engines but new engines are supporting

3. Consider the following areas:

1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are Tiger Reserves?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) l, 2, 3 and 4

Bhutarkanika is a wetland famous for birds

4. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

(a) Biosphere Reserves

(b) National Parks

(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention

(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries

• Simple, ncert, titbit
• No human interference allowed in national parks

5. Consider the following kinds of organisms :

1. Bat
2. Bee
3. Bird

Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

All. Birds/ fliers do pollinate

6. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

• Asiatic wild ass question was asked year before.
• Great Indian mustard also we know
• Cheetal and blue bull can not be endangered
• Saras also won’t be endangered
• We got lucky in this question because of options

7. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• 1, 2 and 3 are obviously threats
• Promotion of vegetarianism, seriously? Animals will not be killed for meat. But what about conversion of forests into agricultural fields?
• Basically question from IPCC report which suggested world to shift to veg at least 2 days a week as non veg is very energy and water intensive
• In fact beef is the most harmful to environment

7. Consider the following :

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Cheetah, we all know is extinct from India. So no question of it being naturally found
• Exclude 2, reach the answer8/8

8. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?

1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Done in geography
• How will cloud formation be affected

9. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

(a) Production of food and water

(b) Control of climate and disease

(c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination

(d) Maintenance of diversity

• 1 is not support – it’s provisioning of food and water, provisioning service
• 2nd would be regulating services
• 3rd also regulating

10. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

• 1 is true – photosynthetic plant
• 2 is true – any species gone – food chain adversely affected
• 3rd – drastic decrease, exaggeration, pause and think

11. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems?

1. It inactivates /kills the harmful microorganisms in water.
2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water.
3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

• 2, all types of odour, red flag, pause and think. Wrong
• 3rd is flocculation method of purifying water, that is what alom does

12. 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?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• It’s not used in the production of tubeless tyres
• Guess work would lead to making all 4, risky strategy

13. 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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

It was in the news then as govt had launched a programme

Pre 2013

It was one of those papers where 40% questions were not doable. 40% logic and common sense

1. Consider the following pairs:

1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

• Map based very difficult question but hills of industry very important. Just go through the map once
• Nokrek highest peak in Garo. See, next year, highest peak in Nagaland was asked. Still very difficult

2. Consider the following pairs about parks and rivers passing through them:

1. Corbett National Park: Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park: Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park: Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3
4. None

• Again difficult question.
• Manas flows through Manas national park if you remember the name
• Ganga’s route important. It does not pass through Corbett
• Silent valley in Nilgiris / kerala
• All calculated guesses would result in wrong answer to this question

3. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Very difficult again

4. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?

1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Coexistence of a large number of species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Simple NCERT/ G.C.Leong
• Dense forest – Continuous canopy, sunlight does not reach the surface, so epiphytes
• 2nd is true. Great divetsity, so much rain and sun

5. Consider the following fauna of India:

1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

Very difficult

6. Consider the following

1. Star tortoise
2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog
4. Spider monkey

Which of the above found in India?

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Very difficult

7. Consider the following animals:

1. Sea cow
2. Sea horse
3. Sea lion

Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Biology question. Sea horse is a fish..

8. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to

1. resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. tolerate extremes of PH
3. Resist disease infestation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Increase surface area. Mycorrhiza is given in NCERT
• All are true

9. Consider the following organisms

1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra

Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Very difficult again. Biofertilizer is an important topic. Remember the names of organisms.

10. Which of the following adds / add nitrogen to the soil?

1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Coal burning will release CO2. May be some nitrogen impurities buy that would also be release as oxides no addition to the soil
• Urea contains nitrogen
• Vegetation also contain nitrogen, carbon etc. So all of them would be added to the soil

11. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

1. desert margins, liable to strong wind action
2. low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
3. scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
4. None of the above

• NCERT
• Contour bunding, terrace farming to prevent soil erosion in hilly areas

12. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?

1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 1 and 3 are common knowledge. Bagasse cogeneration
• 2nd statement is about chemical fertiliser – bagasse is organic

13. 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. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
2. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
3. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

• 7th statement plutonium. Heavy metal, not found in nature. By product of fission. Used in nuclear bombs.
• Eliminate it and reach the answer

14. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2, 4 and 5 only
3. 1, 3 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• You would similarly want to eliminate uranium but uranium is found in nature. Problem in Punjab. So don’t eliminate it
• Sorbitol is like glucose not a pollutants

15. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?

1. Engineering
2. Paper and pulp
3. Textiles
4. Thermal power

Thermal power plant requires lots and lots of water plus so much electricity in India by thermal.

16. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

1. carbon dioxide and nitrogen
2. carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
3. ozone and carbon dioxide
4. nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

• Simple. Very simple. NCERT. NIOS
• Nitric acid and sulphuric acid
• Co2 is as such present in environment in large quantity

17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

1. NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
2. CO, 02 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
3. CO, CO2 and N02 at low temperature
4. High concentration of N02, O3 and CO in the evening

• Simple, very simple
• Photo means sunlight, 3 and 4 eliminated.
• If there is peroxylnitrate, there has to be oxides of nitrogen also

18. 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. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

• 1st statement true
• 2nd false, members of same species do not eat each other. Tigers do not eat tiger
• Include 1, exclude 2

19. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

1. Ecotone
2. Ecological niche
3. Habitat
4. Home range

Simple. Very simple. NCERT

20. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is / are known as decomposer organism/organisms?

1. Virus
2. Fungi
3. Bacteria

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Viruses are intracellular. They do not decompose anything.

21. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of

1. insects and fungi
2. limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
3. water limits and fire
4. None of the above

Simple – think of savannah

22. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

1. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
2. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
3. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
4. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands

• Ocean can not have highest productivity. So much of ocean area has no producers.
• Eliminate 1 and 4.
• Among lakes and oceans, obviously lakes would have higher productivity.
• Mangroves, coral reefs have very high productivity

 

Pre 2014

1. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

1. Potential energy is released to form free energy
2. Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored
3. Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water
4. Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

• Simple. Photosynthesis is the process of food making in plants using co2 and sunlight which also releases oxygen. So obviously energy is being stored in the form of food I. E free energy of sun covered into potential energy
• Anyway option 3 and 4 are the same. O2 uptake, co2 and water release. Obviously both the options can not be true.
• Option a and b are contradictory, one has to be true

2. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Sort of internal repeat.
• In the 1st question, we discussed photosynthesis leads to co2 being converted into food I. E, it takes out co2 from the carbon cycle not adds to it.
• Eliminate 3, now look at 1, volcanic action leads to release of co2, so2 etc.
• Eliminate 3, include 1

3. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 2 is easily true. Deforestation does lead to soil erosion even kids know that.
• 1 is clearly wrong. Terrace farming is used to stop soil erosion in mountains/ hilly areas.
• Include 2, exclude 1

4. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of

1. algae and bacteria
2. algae and fungi
3. bacteria and fungi
4. fungi and mosses

• Ridiculously easy, NCERT
• Covered In titbit

5. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

1. biosphere reserves
2. botanical gardens
3. national parks
4. wildlife sanctuaries

• Ridiculously easy
• Covered in titbit
• Biosphere reserve programme name itself is UNESCO Man and biosphere reserve.

6. 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. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. none

• Statement 2, all kind of activities except agriculture, sweeping statement, red flag, pause and think. Obviously agriculture is prohibited first. scientific research, tourism in buffer zone etc would be allowed
• Statement 1, it’s eco sensitive zone not wild life protection zone, so would be constituted under environment protection act not wild life protection act

7. Consider the following pairs

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Very difficult, just remember these locations in case one of the option is repeated
• Gumti is in Tripura
• Saramati is infact highest peak in Nagaland

8.

Wetlands	Confluence of rivers
1. Harike Wetlands	Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake	Confluence of Musi and Krishna

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Harike is easy. You must know it. Bhakhra nangal and other related dam projects
• Questions on keoladeo have been asked before. Chambal flows on rajasthan – M.P. border. Bharatpur is far away
• Kolleru has also been asked before, very famous, Krishna and Kaveri

9. Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kutch
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Sunderbans have mangroves not corals

10. Consider the following:

1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents

The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

Biology question. You either know it or don’t know it

11. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?

1. Crab
2. Mite
3. Scorpion
4. Spider

Biology, either know it or don’t know it Crab a crustacean

12. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

1. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
2. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
3. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
4. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Diatoms are like algae, would come first. Eliminate 2 and 3

Herrings eat crustaceans

This question btw has been asked before

13. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

14. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Ridiculously difficult

15. 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. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

• 2nd statement. Increase in the population of crocodiles responsible for decline in the number of dolphins. Seriously!
• Eliminate 2, reach the answer

16. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:

1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
2. In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Statement 1, propane and butane only. Only sweeping, red flag, pause and think. Obviously wrong. Shale gas is natural gas so would contain methane also plus impurities
• 2nd statement – no shale resources, again wrong. Question was asked in mains 2013.

17. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

1. The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
2. The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
3. The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
4. It is a source of high quality biodiesel

It was very much in news as India produces maximum quantity of Guar gum and it’s prices fluctuated a lot

18. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statemenrs:

1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

• 1 is true. Name itself suggests
• In the last paper also, we disussed, cells produce dc
• Include 1, exclude 2

19. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 1 and 2 Seems correct.
• 3 also seems correct
• Risky approach but I can’t see any reason for any of the statement to be wrong as they are all general statements

20. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 3 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 4 only
4. 1,2, 3 and 4

All are easily correct

21. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• It’s like 19th question. Both seems correct
• Risky approach

22. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’.
2. It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
3. 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. Both (a) and (b)

• Covered in titbit
• A is true
• Pure Funding organisations themselves don’t undertake scientific research on their own.
• A correct, b incorrect, answer reached
• C is incorrect, it’s not under OECD. Similar question in 2015 about green climate fund

23. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

1. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
2. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilo meters from the edge of the wetland
3. 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. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’

Simple if you had gone through ransar convention

24. 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. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Again you could answer it, if you had just gone through it
• Both the statements seem true but 1st is incorrect, it was formed way before signimg of Ramsar
• Risky approach, I told you

25. Consider the following international agreements:

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only,
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2. and 3

• Common sense
• Heritage – natural heritage sites

26. 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. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4,

• 3rd and 4th statements are sweeping ones, red flag, pause, think, obviously incorrect
• 2 is common knowledge. Coral reefs affected by global warning
• You have the answer

27. Consider the following statements:

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 1 is incorrect. Think. Animal welfare board under prevention of cruelty to animal act.
• 2 and 3 are common knowledge

28. 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. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• All 3 seems correct but 1st is incorrect. It’s am NGO <it was in news for some reason that year. Was in current affair notes>
• Risky approach I told you

29. 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. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only.
4. 1, 2 and 3

• This is in news every year
• It’s an initiative of wwf
• 2 and 3 are obviously true

30. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

1. Bhutia and Lepcha
2. Gond and Korku
3. lrula and Toda
4. Sahariya and Agariya

Ridiculously difficult

Prelims 2015

1. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

Select the correct using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

• 3rd is very innocuous statement, has to be correct
• 6 principle organs of UN
• IUCN has an observer status at the United Nations.
• Eliminate 1 we get option (b) as answer.

2 With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   (a) 1 and 2
   (b) 2 only
   (c) 1 and 3
   (d) 3 only

• 2nd statement, entire coast, sweeping statement, red flag, pause and think. Obviously there would be stretches where it would not be found
• Statement 1 is correct, was asked before. So if you solved previous year questions. Definitely plus 2
• Exclude 2, include 1

3. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

• 3rd – only. Sweeping . Red flag, pause and think, why not oxides of carbon and some other things also plus everyone know it does contain some toxic elements
• 1st is easily true, even if you don’t know, imagine fly ash and Brics
• Exclude 3, include 1

4. With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements:
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

• 3rd statement. All batteries produce direct current dc not alternating current ac.
• Similar question on photo voltaic cell was asked last year. Benefit of solving past papers.
• Eliminate 3, reach the answer
• Look at option 2, it’s actually reverse. Cell less energy, power small devices

5. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) gharial

Ridiculously easy

6. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
(a) Bretton Woods Conference
(b) Montreal Protocol
(c) Kyoto Protocol
(d) Nagoya Protocol

• Ridiculously easy, covered in titbit
• Montreal protocol to vienna convention

7. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
(a) It is the United nations Conference on Sustainable Development
(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization
(c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
(d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological diversity

• Ridiculously easy, covered in bundle
• Original Rio of 1992,

8. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?

1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 only
   (c) Both 1 and 2
   (d) Neither 1 nor 2

• The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund within the framework of the UNFCC. I think everyone knows that. So obviously 2nd statement is crap
• Eliminate 2, reach the answer.
• The GCF is based in the new Songdo district of Incheon, South Korea.

9. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the
(a) Asian Development Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) World Bank

• IMF does no such things. Exclude IMF.
• UNEP does not manage funding
• It seems like international fund so international body, world bank
• This strategy is very risky. Don’t use it if you feel comfortable with your attempts

The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes seeks to promote reduced greenhouse gases from land sector, deforestation and forest degradation in development countries(REDD+) and from sustainable agriculture, as well as smarter land-use planning, policies and practices. It is a new multilateral facility, supported by donor governments and managed by the World Bank.

10. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• GM/ BT cotton, BT bringer, always environment minister comes into the picture, remember moratorium by Jairam Ramesh
• So b/w c and d, now it’s not limited to just wildlife protection so broader act, environment protection act

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under ‘Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989’, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

11. In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living tree into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘Living Root Bridges’ are found in
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c )Jharkhand
(d) Tamil Nadu

The living root bridges of Cheraupunji, so meghalaya

12. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples
2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management
3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Difficult
   All 3 seems right but 2nd is incorrect. It provides aid to govts

13. With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

• It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
• The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
• It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
  Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 and 3 only
  (c) 1 and 3 only
  (d) 1, 2 and 3
• Hotspot is common knowledge. Propsed by British biologist Norman Myers in 1988
• Eliminate 2, now look at 3
• It seems correct. Birdlife international, bird areas. as a biogeographic region characterized both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and by serious levels of habitat loss

BirdLife’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) Programme aims to identify, monitor and protect a global network of IBAs for the conservation of the world’s birds and other wildlife.

14. Which one of the following is the best description of the term “ecosystem”?
(a) A community of organisms interacting with one another
(b) That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms
(c) A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live.
(d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area.

• Ridiculously Easy
• Organism plus surrounding biotic and abiotic environment
• The term ‘Ecosystem’ was first used by A G Tansley in 1935.