Explanation:The term ecosystem was coined by A.G. Tansley in 1935 to define the system resulting from the integration of all living and non-living factors of the environment.
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2Which of the following represents the correct sequence of a grazing food chain?
A.Grass Wolf Deer Lion
B.Grass Deer Lion Fungi
C.Grass Deer Lion
D.Bacteria Grass Deer Lion
Correct Answer: Grass Deer Lion
Explanation:A grazing food chain starts with producers (Grass), followed by primary consumers (Deer), and then secondary/tertiary consumers (Lion).
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3According to Lindeman's Law, if a producer has $10,000$ J of energy, how much energy will be available to the secondary consumer?
A.$1000$ J
B.$100$ J
C.$10$ J
D.$1$ J
Correct Answer: $100$ J
Explanation:According to the law, only of energy is transferred to the next trophic level. Producer ($10,000$) Primary Consumer ($1,000$) Secondary Consumer ($100$).
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4Which of the following is an example of an abiotic component of an ecosystem?
A.Bacteria
B.Plants
C.Soil
D.Fungi
Correct Answer: Soil
Explanation:Abiotic components are non-living chemical and physical factors in the environment. Soil, water, air, and sunlight are abiotic, whereas bacteria, plants, and fungi are biotic.
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5The functional position of an organism in its environment is known as its:
A.Habitat
B.Ecological Niche
C.Trophic level
D.Ecotone
Correct Answer: Ecological Niche
Explanation:An Ecological Niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including how it meets its needs for food and shelter and how it reproduces.
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6Energy flow in an ecosystem is always:
A.Bidirectional
B.Cyclic
C.Unidirectional
D.Multidirectional
Correct Answer: Unidirectional
Explanation:Energy flow is unidirectional. It enters via the sun to producers and moves up trophic levels, eventually being lost as heat; it does not cycle back to the sun.
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7Which ecological pyramid is always upright?
A.Pyramid of Numbers
B.Pyramid of Biomass
C.Pyramid of Energy
D.All of the above
Correct Answer: Pyramid of Energy
Explanation:The Pyramid of Energy is always upright because energy decreases at each higher trophic level due to the laws of thermodynamics (loss as heat).
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8In a pond ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is typically:
A.Upright
B.Inverted
C.Linear
D.Irregular
Correct Answer: Inverted
Explanation:In aquatic ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass is inverted because the standing crop of producers (phytoplankton) is smaller in mass than the consumers (zooplankton/fish) at any given time, despite high turnover rates.
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9The process by which a natural community is replaced by another until a stable community is reached is called:
A.Energy flow
B.Ecological Succession
C.Evolution
D.Bio-magnification
Correct Answer: Ecological Succession
Explanation:Ecological Succession is the gradual process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
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10The stable community reached at the end of ecological succession is known as:
A.Pioneer community
B.Seral community
C.Climax community
D.Ecotone
Correct Answer: Climax community
Explanation:A Climax community is the final, stable community in an ecological succession that is in equilibrium with the environment.
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11Which of the following is a primary consumer?
A.Lion
B.Eagle
C.Rabbit
D.Fungi
Correct Answer: Rabbit
Explanation:Primary consumers are herbivores that feed directly on producers. A Rabbit eats plants, making it a primary consumer.
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12A complex network of interconnected food chains is called a:
A.Trophic level
B.Food Web
C.Ecological pyramid
D.Biome
Correct Answer: Food Web
Explanation:A Food Web is a system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.
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13Organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter are called:
A.Herbivores
B.Carnivores
C.Detritivores
D.Parasites
Correct Answer: Detritivores
Explanation:Detritivores (and decomposers) obtain nutrients by consuming detritus (decomposing plant and animal parts).
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14Which of the following is considered a non-renewable resource?
A.Solar energy
B.Wind energy
C.Coal
D.Biomass
Correct Answer: Coal
Explanation:Coal is a fossil fuel that takes millions of years to form and cannot be replenished on a human timescale, making it non-renewable.
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15The transition zone between two distinct ecosystems is known as:
A.Niche
B.Habitat
C.Ecotone
D.Biome
Correct Answer: Ecotone
Explanation:An Ecotone is a transition area between two biological communities (e.g., between a forest and a grassland), often having high biodiversity.
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16Which of the following is a Lotic ecosystem?
A.Lake
B.Pond
C.River
D.Swamp
Correct Answer: River
Explanation:Lotic ecosystems involve flowing water, such as rivers and streams. Lentic ecosystems involve standing water like lakes and ponds.
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17Lichens are usually the pioneer species in which type of succession?
A.Hydrosere (in water)
B.Xerosere (on bare rock)
C.Secondary succession
D.Halosere
Correct Answer: Xerosere (on bare rock)
Explanation:Lichens are capable of growing on bare rock and secreting acids to break it down into soil, starting the succession process known as Xerosere.
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18The rate at which solar energy is converted into chemical energy by producers is called:
A.Secondary Productivity
B.Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
C.Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
D.Respiration
Correct Answer: Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
Explanation:GPP is the total rate of photosynthesis. NPP is GPP minus the energy used by plants for respiration.
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19Which of the following is a major consequence of deforestation?
A.Increase in oxygen levels
B.Soil erosion
C.Decrease in global temperature
D.Rise in water table
Correct Answer: Soil erosion
Explanation:Roots hold soil in place. Without trees, the soil is exposed to wind and rain, leading to soil erosion.
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20What is 'Jhum' cultivation?
A.Terrace farming
B.Shifting cultivation
C.Commercial plantation
D.Intensive farming
Correct Answer: Shifting cultivation
Explanation:Jhum cultivation is a local name for slash-and-burn or shifting cultivation, often practiced in Northeast India, which can lead to deforestation.
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21Approximately what percentage of the Earth's water is fresh water available for human use?
A.
B.
C.Less than
D.
Correct Answer: Less than
Explanation:While roughly of Earth's water is fresh, most is locked in glaciers or deep underground. Less than is accessible surface fresh water.
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22Over-exploitation of ground water can lead to:
A.Water logging
B.Salinization
C.Lowering of the water table
D.Increased rainfall
Correct Answer: Lowering of the water table
Explanation:Extracting groundwater faster than it is replenished results in the lowering of the water table and aquifer depletion.
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23The Chipko Movement was primarily concerned with the conservation of:
A.Water
B.Forests
C.Minerals
D.Tigers
Correct Answer: Forests
Explanation:The Chipko Movement (hugging trees) began in India in the 1970s to prevent the cutting down of forests.
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24Which of the following is an inexhaustible resource?
A.Petroleum
B.Solar Energy
C.Coal
D.Natural Gas
Correct Answer: Solar Energy
Explanation:Solar energy is considered inexhaustible on human timescales as it comes from the sun, unlike fossil fuels.
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25Soil salinization is often caused by:
A.Overgrazing
B.Poor irrigation practices and water logging
C.Deforestation
D.Landslides
Correct Answer: Poor irrigation practices and water logging
Explanation:Salinization occurs when soluble salts accumulate in the soil, often due to improper irrigation where water evaporates and leaves salts behind or raises the saline water table.
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26Which gas is the main constituent of Biogas?
A.Butane
B.Methane ()
C.Propane
D.Carbon Dioxide only
Correct Answer: Methane ()
Explanation:Methane constitutes about - of biogas, making it a valuable fuel source.
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27The '3R' principle for resource conservation stands for:
A.Read, Register, Recall
B.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
C.Random, Reuse, Reduce
D.Reduce, Rebuild, Recover
Correct Answer: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Explanation:The 3R principle (Reduce waste, Reuse products, Recycle materials) is fundamental to sustainable resource management.
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28Which of the following is a problem associated with large dams?
A.Displacement of tribal people
B.Generation of electricity
C.Flood control
D.Irrigation
Correct Answer: Displacement of tribal people
Explanation:While dams provide electricity and irrigation, a major social and environmental problem is the displacement of local communities and destruction of upstream habitats.
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29Nuclear energy is generated primarily using which mineral?
A.Coal
B.Silicon
C.Uranium
D.Bauxite
Correct Answer: Uranium
Explanation:Uranium (specifically the isotope U-235) is the primary fuel used in nuclear fission reactors.
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30Which type of energy resource is geothermal energy?
A.Fossil fuel
B.Renewable
C.Non-renewable
D.Nuclear
Correct Answer: Renewable
Explanation:Geothermal energy utilizes heat from the Earth's interior, which is continuously produced, making it a renewable resource.
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31What is the primary cause of desertification?
A.Afforestation
B.Overgrazing and deforestation
C.Crop rotation
D.Rainwater harvesting
Correct Answer: Overgrazing and deforestation
Explanation:Desertification is the degradation of land in dry areas, primarily caused by human activities like overgrazing and deforestation, and climatic variations.
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32World Water Day is observed on:
A.June 5
B.April 22
C.March 22
D.December 1
Correct Answer: March 22
Explanation:March 22 is designated as World Water Day to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
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33Which of the following represents an anthropogenic cause of landslides?
A.Earthquakes
B.Heavy rainfall
C.Construction of roads in hilly areas
D.Gravity
Correct Answer: Construction of roads in hilly areas
Explanation:Anthropogenic means human-caused. Construction destabilizes slopes, leading to landslides, whereas earthquakes and rainfall are natural causes.
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34Sustainable development is defined as:
A.Using resources until they are exhausted
B.Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
C.Stopping all industrial development
D.Preserving resources in museums
Correct Answer: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
Explanation:This is the standard definition of Sustainable Development (Brundtland Commission).
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35In an ecosystem, the Decomposers are:
A.Autotrophs
B.Macro-consumers
C.Micro-consumers (Saprotrophs)
D.Producers
Correct Answer: Micro-consumers (Saprotrophs)
Explanation:Decomposers like bacteria and fungi are micro-consumers or saprotrophs that break down organic matter.
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36The sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem is called:
A.Carbon cycle
B.Food chain
C.Hydrological cycle
D.Succession
Correct Answer: Food chain
Explanation:A Food chain describes the linear flow of nutrients and energy as one organism eats another.
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37The distinct levels of nourishment in a food chain are called:
A.Biomes
B.Trophic levels
C.Succession stages
D.Standing crops
Correct Answer: Trophic levels
Explanation:Trophic levels represent the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising organisms that share the same function in the food chain.
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38Which of the following acts as a natural sink for Carbon Dioxide?
A.Forests
B.Deserts
C.Concrete buildings
D.Volcanoes
Correct Answer: Forests
Explanation:Forests (and oceans) absorb via photosynthesis, acting as carbon sinks.
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39Rainwater harvesting is a method primarily used for:
A.Preventing soil erosion
B.Conserving and recharging groundwater
C.Generating hydroelectricity
D.Growing aquatic plants
Correct Answer: Conserving and recharging groundwater
Explanation:Rainwater harvesting collects run-off water to store for future use and to recharge aquifers (groundwater).
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40Biotic resources are derived from:
A.Minerals
B.The Biosphere (living things)
C.Volcanic eruptions
D.Solar radiation
Correct Answer: The Biosphere (living things)
Explanation:Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere, such as forests, animals, birds, and marine life.
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41What is the remedial measure for Soil Erosion?
A.Deforestation
B.Overgrazing
C.Afforestation and Terrace Farming
D.Excessive use of fertilizers
Correct Answer: Afforestation and Terrace Farming
Explanation:Planting trees (Afforestation) and modifying slopes (Terrace Farming) effectively reduce soil runoff and erosion.
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42A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area is called a:
A.Community
B.Population
C.Ecosystem
D.Biome
Correct Answer: Population
Explanation:In ecology, a Population refers to members of the same species in a given area. A Community includes multiple populations of different species.
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43The total amount of living organic matter present in a particular area at a particular time is known as:
A.Standing crop
B.Standing state
C.Humus
D.Detritus
Correct Answer: Standing crop
Explanation:Standing crop refers to the biomass (living organic matter) at a specific time. 'Standing state' refers to inorganic nutrients.
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44Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a desert ecosystem?
A.Scanty rainfall
B.High evaporation
C.Dense canopy forest
D.Succulent plants
Correct Answer: Dense canopy forest
Explanation:Desert ecosystems are characterized by dryness and sparse vegetation. Dense canopy forests belong to tropical or temperate forest ecosystems.
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45What role can an individual play in conserving natural resources?
A.Waste water unnecessarily
B.Use public transport or carpool
C.Keep lights on when not in use
D.Use single-use plastics
Correct Answer: Use public transport or carpool
Explanation:Using public transport reduces fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint, helping conserve energy resources.
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46Which represents the Primary Producer in an ocean ecosystem?
A.Zooplankton
B.Phytoplankton
C.Small fish
D.Shark
Correct Answer: Phytoplankton
Explanation:Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants (algae) that perform photosynthesis, serving as the base (producers) of the marine food web.
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47Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?
A.National Park
B.Wildlife Sanctuary
C.Biosphere Reserve
D.Botanical Garden
Correct Answer: Botanical Garden
Explanation:Ex-situ conservation means protecting species outside their natural habitat (e.g., Zoo, Botanical Garden). The others are in-situ.
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48Hydrogen fuel cells produce energy by combining hydrogen with oxygen, resulting in the emission of:
A.Carbon Dioxide
B.Methane
C.Water vapor
D.Sulfur Dioxide
Correct Answer: Water vapor
Explanation:Hydrogen fuel cells are clean energy sources because their only by-product is water (or water vapor).
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49The gradual accumulation of toxic substances (like DDT) at higher trophic levels is called:
A.Eutrophication
B.Biomagnification
C.Succession
D.Nitrification
Correct Answer: Biomagnification
Explanation:Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
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50Which ecosystem has the highest Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?
A.Desert
B.Open Ocean
C.Tropical Rain Forest
D.Tundra
Correct Answer: Tropical Rain Forest
Explanation:Tropical Rain Forests have high temperature, moisture, and sunlight, leading to the highest rate of biomass production (NPP).