Biodiversity

2011

If a tropical rainforest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because

Options

(a)

The soil of the rainforest is deficient in nutrients.

(b)

Propagules of the trees in a rainforest have poor viability.

(c)

The rain forest species are slow growing.

(d)

Exotic species invade the fertile soil of the rainforest.

Answer

(A)

Environment › Biodiversity

2011

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?

Options

(a)

1, 2 and 6 only

(b)

2, 4 and 6 only

(c)

1, 3 and 5 only

(d)

3, 4 and 6 only

Answer

(C)

Environment › Biodiversity

2011

The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

Options

(a)

It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.

(b)

It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.

(c)

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

(d)

It has less human interference.

Answer

(B)

Climate Change

Environment › Climate Change

2011

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
1. its escape into the outer stratosphere
2. the photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans
3. the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options

(a)

1 and 2 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

2 and 3 only

(d)

3 only

Answer

(B)

Ecological Theory

Environment › Ecological Theory

2011

Consider the following:
1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on earth?

Options

(a)

1 and 4 only

(b)

2 and 3 only

(c)

2, 3 and 4 only

(d)

1, 2 ,3 and 4

Answer

(C)

Environment › Ecological Theory

2011

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?

Options

(a)

1 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

Both 1 and 2

(d)

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

(C)

Environment › Ecological Theory

2011

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 code given below:

Options

(a)

1, 2, and 3 only

(b)

2, 3, and 4 only

(c)

1 and 4 only

(d)

1, 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer

(D)

International Org,TreatiesXEnvironment

Environment › International Org,TreatiesXEnvironment

2011

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

Options

(a)

Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.

(b)

Threatened plant and animal species.

(c)

Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

(d)

None of the above

Answer

(B)

Marine Ecosystem

Environment › Marine Ecosystem

2011

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

Options

(a)

Decomposer microorganisms to the surface

(b)

Nutrients to the surface

(c)

Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface

(d)

None of the above

Answer

(B)

Environment › Marine Ecosystem

2011

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?

Options

(a)

The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.

(b)

The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.

(c)

The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami.

(d)

The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

Answer

(D)