UPSC GS Practice Test: Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity

Question 1

With reference to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), consider the following statements:
1. It reduces the number of schedules from six to four, merging the schedules for protected animal species.
2. Under the amended Act, the Central Government is empowered to declare any wild animal species as 'vermin' for a specified area and period.
3. The export or transfer of live elephants for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited under the new provisions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Consider the following statements regarding 'Blue Carbon':
1. It refers to carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems, primarily mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.
2. These coastal ecosystems sequester carbon at much faster rates per unit area than terrestrial forests.
3. Once degraded, these ecosystems release their stored carbon back into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding ecological relationships:
1. In Amensalism, one species is harmed while the other is unaffected.
2. In Commensalism, one species benefits while the other is harmed.
3. Mycorrhizae represent a mutualistic relationship between fungi and plant roots.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 4

With reference to Biosphere Reserves in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The core zone is strictly protected and no human activity is allowed inside it.
2. The buffer zone surrounds the core zone and supports low-impact scientific research and tourism.
3. The transition zone allows agricultural activities and human settlements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Question 5

Which of the following international conventions is/are correctly matched with their respective goals?
1. Ramsar Convention - Wet and marshy lands conservation
2. CITES - Regulation of international trade in endangered species
3. Bonn Convention - Conservation of migratory species of wild animals
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC:
1. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
2. It requires all Parties to put forward their best efforts through 'Nationally Determined Contributions' (NDCs).
3. NDCs are legally binding emissions reduction targets for all signatory countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 7

Which of the following pollutants are monitored under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in India?
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
2. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
3. Ozone (O3)
4. Lead (Pb)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

2, 3 and 4 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 8

Consider the following statements regarding 'Eutrophication' in aquatic ecosystems:
1. It is primarily caused by runoff containing nitrates and phosphates.
2. It leads to an increase in the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water.
3. It causes rapid growth of algae, leading to algal blooms.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

3 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 9

With reference to the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023, consider the following statements:
1. It exempts forest lands situated within 100 km of international borders for strategic national security projects from forest clearance.
2. The provisions of the Act apply only to land recorded as forest in government records on or after October 25, 1980.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 10

With reference to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. EIA is mandatory under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
2. Public consultation is required for all projects without any exceptions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 11

Consider the following statements regarding the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 (amended in 2022):
1. It aims to achieve a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.
2. It allows the use of surplus food grains like damaged wheat and broken rice for ethanol production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 12

Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, what does 'Extended Producer Responsibility' (EPR) refer to?
1. The responsibility of any producer of electrical and electronic equipment for recycling of e-waste.
2. The responsibility of consumers to deposit e-waste directly to local municipalities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 13

Consider the following Biosphere Reserves in India:
1. Nilgiri
2. Nokrek
3. Similipal
Which of the above are included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 14

Which of the following animals has the IUCN status of 'Critically Endangered'?
1. Great Indian Bustard
2. Ganges River Dolphin
3. Sangai (Eld's deer)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 15

With reference to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, consider the following statements:
1. CRZ-I covers ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves and coral reefs where no new construction is permitted.
2. CRZ-IV covers the water area from the Low Tide Line to 12 nautical miles seaward.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 16

Consider the following statements regarding the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol:
1. It aims for a gradual phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
2. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but are potent greenhouse gases.
3. India has committed to complete its phase-down of HFCs by 2047.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 17

Consider the following agricultural practices:
1. Organic Farming
2. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
3. Permaculture
Which of the above are classified under sustainable agro-ecology practices?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 18

With reference to ocean acidification, consider the following statements:
1. It is primarily caused by the uptake of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
2. It increases the concentration of carbonate ions, making it easier for marine organisms to build shells.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 19

In which of the following regions of India can coral reefs be found?
1. Gulf of Kutch
2. Lakshadweep
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3 only

Answer

2, 3 and 4 only

Question 20

Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Tribunal (NGT):
1. It is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
2. It is bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
3. NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment is involved.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

No Live Attempt Found