Sir Arthur George Tansley coined the term ecosystem in 1935 to describe the integrated system of biotic and abiotic components.
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2According to Lindeman's 10% Law, how much energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?
A.50%
B.10%
C.100%
D.1%
Correct Answer: 10%
Explanation:
Only about 10% of the energy stored as biomass in a trophic level is passed from one level to the next; the rest is lost as heat or used for metabolism.
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3Which of the following describes the zone of transition between two distinct ecosystems?
A.Ecological Niche
B.Ecotone
C.Ecotype
D.Biome
Correct Answer: Ecotone
Explanation:
An ecotone is a transition area between two biological communities, such as a forest and a grassland, often exhibiting high biodiversity.
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4What is the functional role of a species within its ecosystem called?
A.Home Range
B.Trophic Level
C.Ecological Niche
D.Habitat
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 survives.
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5Which type of ecological pyramid is always upright?
A.Inverted Pyramid
B.Pyramid of Numbers
C.Pyramid of Energy
D.Pyramid of Biomass
Correct Answer: Pyramid of Energy
Explanation:
The pyramid of energy is always upright because energy flow is unidirectional and decreases at each successive trophic level.
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6The process of succession on a bare rock surface is known as:
A.Hydrosere
B.Psammosere
C.Xerosere
D.Halosere
Correct Answer: Xerosere
Explanation:
Xerosere refers to ecological succession starting on a dry surface, such as bare rock, eventually leading to a forest community.
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7Which gas is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
A.Methane
B.Nitrous Oxide
C.Carbon Dioxide
D.Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Correct Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Explanation:
CFCs release chlorine atoms when exposed to UV radiation in the stratosphere, which catalytically break down ozone molecules.
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8What is the phenomenon called when the concentration of toxins increases at higher trophic levels?
A.Bioaccumulation
B.Biodegradation
C.Eutrophication
D.Biomagnification
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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9Acid rain is primarily caused by emissions of which two gases?
A.SO2 and NOx
B.CO and CO2
C.O3 and CFCs
D.CO2 and CH4
Correct Answer: SO2 and NOx
Explanation:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
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10The excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus is called:
A.Desertification
B.Salinization
C.Eutrophication
D.Sedimentation
Correct Answer: Eutrophication
Explanation:
Eutrophication is the dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen due to excessive nutrient runoff.
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11Which of the following is an example of In-situ conservation?
A.National Park
B.Zoo
C.Seed Bank
D.Botanical Garden
Correct Answer: National Park
Explanation:
In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats, such as in National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.
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12The 'Red Data Book' which lists endangered species is published by:
A.WWF
B.IUCN
C.UNESCO
D.UNEP
Correct Answer: IUCN
Explanation:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) publishes the Red Data Book to highlight species facing the risk of extinction.
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13Who introduced the concept of 'Biodiversity Hotspots'?
A.Rachel Carson
B.Edward O. Wilson
C.Norman Myers
D.Charles Darwin
Correct Answer: Norman Myers
Explanation:
Norman Myers introduced the concept in 1988 to identify regions with high levels of endemism and significant habitat loss.
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14Which movement in India is famously associated with hugging trees to prevent deforestation?
A.Narmada Bachao Andolan
B.Chipko Movement
C.Appiko Movement
D.Silent Valley Movement
Correct Answer: Chipko Movement
Explanation:
The Chipko Movement (1973) in Uttarakhand involved villagers hugging trees to protect them from commercial logging.
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15The Brundtland Commission Report (1987) is famously titled:
A.Our Common Future
B.Silent Spring
C.The Limits to Growth
D.Agenda 21
Correct Answer: Our Common Future
Explanation:
This report popularized the definition of sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
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16How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the UN in 2015?
A.21
B.17
C.15
D.10
Correct Answer: 17
Explanation:
The UN adopted 17 SDGs to be achieved by 2030, covering issues like poverty, clean energy, and climate action.
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17The Montreal Protocol is related to:
A.Ozone Layer Depletion
B.Biodiversity Conservation
C.Hazardous Waste Disposal
D.Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Correct Answer: Ozone Layer Depletion
Explanation:
The Montreal Protocol (1987) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances.
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18The Kyoto Protocol primarily focuses on:
A.Controlling Transboundary Waste
B.Protecting Wetlands
C.Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
D.Conserving Biodiversity
Correct Answer: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Explanation:
The Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the UNFCCC by committing industrialized countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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19Which Indian Act was enacted in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?
The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 was enacted to provide a framework for the coordination of central and state authorities regarding environmental protection.
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20What does EIA stand for in environmental management?
A.Energy Independent Assessment
B.Environmental International Agreement
C.Environmental Impact Assessment
D.Ecological Impact Analysis
Correct Answer: Environmental Impact Assessment
Explanation:
EIA is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural, and human-health impacts.
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21The 'Agenda 21' was a result of which summit?
A.Rio Earth Summit (1992)
B.Johannesburg Summit (2002)
C.Paris Summit (2015)
D.Stockholm Conference (1972)
Correct Answer: Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Explanation:
Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development, produced at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
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22Which of the following is an abiotic component of the ecosystem?
A.Humus
B.Plants
C.Bacteria
D.Fungi
Correct Answer: Humus
Explanation:
Humus is organic matter in soil, but it is non-living (abiotic) material derived from the decomposition of plant and animal substances. Bacteria, Fungi, and Plants are biotic.
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23A species restricted to a specific geographic area is called:
A.Exotic Species
B.Endemic Species
C.Keystone Species
D.Invasive Species
Correct Answer: Endemic Species
Explanation:
Endemic species are plants and animals that exist only in one geographic region and nowhere else.
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24Which layer of the atmosphere contains the 'Good Ozone' that protects us from UV rays?
A.Mesosphere
B.Troposphere
C.Thermosphere
D.Stratosphere
Correct Answer: Stratosphere
Explanation:
Stratospheric ozone is considered 'good' because it absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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25The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on which scale?
A.Fujita Scale
B.Mercalli Scale
C.Saffir-Simpson Scale
D.Richter Scale
Correct Answer: Richter Scale
Explanation:
The Richter scale measures the magnitude (energy released) of an earthquake, whereas Mercalli measures intensity (damage).
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26Which of the following is considered a 'secondary pollutant'?
A.Lead
B.Sulfur Dioxide
C.Ground-level Ozone
D.Carbon Monoxide
Correct Answer: Ground-level Ozone
Explanation:
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but form when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere. Ground-level ozone forms from NOx and VOCs.
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27What is the primary cause of soil salinization in arid regions?
A.Overgrazing
B.Deforestation
C.Acid rain
D.Excessive irrigation without drainage
Correct Answer: Excessive irrigation without drainage
Explanation:
In arid regions, evaporating irrigation water leaves behind salts. Without proper drainage to flush them out, salts accumulate in the soil.
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28The Ramsar Convention relates to the conservation of:
A.Wetlands
B.Forests
C.Deserts
D.Corals
Correct Answer: Wetlands
Explanation:
The Ramsar Convention (1971) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
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29Which of the following is a geological hazard?
A.Drought
B.Cyclone
C.Heatwave
D.Landslide
Correct Answer: Landslide
Explanation:
Landslides are geological hazards involving the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. The others are meteorological/climatic.
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30What is the main objective of the Paris Agreement (2015)?
A.Ban all nuclear weapons
B.Eliminate all fossil fuels by 2020
C.Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C
D.Stop all plastic production
Correct Answer: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C
Explanation:
The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
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31Minamata disease was caused by pollution from:
A.Mercury
B.Cadmium
C.Lead
D.Arsenic
Correct Answer: Mercury
Explanation:
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning, first discovered in Minamata City, Japan.
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32Which method involves planting crops in rows along the contours of the land to prevent soil erosion?
A.Crop Rotation
B.Contour Ploughing
C.Shifting Cultivation
D.Terracing
Correct Answer: Contour Ploughing
Explanation:
Contour ploughing follows the natural contours of the land, creating water breaks that reduce the flow velocity of runoff and prevent soil erosion.
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33The concept of 'Ecological Footprint' measures:
A.Human demand on nature
B.The carbon content of soil
C.The physical size of an ecosystem
D.The migration path of animals
Correct Answer: Human demand on nature
Explanation:
Ecological Footprint measures the biologically productive land and water area required to produce the resources an individual or population consumes and to absorb the waste they generate.
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34Which gas was responsible for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984?
A.Potassium Cyanide
B.Methyl Isocyanate
C.Carbon Monoxide
D.Phosgene
Correct Answer: Methyl Isocyanate
Explanation:
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, causing thousands of deaths.
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35Beta diversity refers to:
A.Diversity between communities
B.Genetic diversity
C.Total diversity of a region
D.Diversity within a single community
Correct Answer: Diversity between communities
Explanation:
Alpha diversity is within a site; Beta diversity compares differences between communities/sites; Gamma diversity is the total diversity of a region.
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36Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
A.Wind
B.Solar
C.Natural Gas
D.Geothermal
Correct Answer: Natural Gas
Explanation:
Natural gas is a fossil fuel and is non-renewable. Solar, wind, and geothermal are renewable.
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37The process of restoring a forest that once existed but was removed is called:
A.Afforestation
B.Reforestation
C.Agroforestry
D.Deforestation
Correct Answer: Reforestation
Explanation:
Reforestation is replanting trees in an area where forest cover has been depleted. Afforestation is planting trees where there was no previous forest.
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38Which Act in India governs the protection of forests and wildlife?
A.The Factories Act
B.The Mines Act
C.The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
D.The Water Act
Correct Answer: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Explanation:
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants.
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39The 'Greenhouse Effect' is essential for life because:
A.It produces oxygen
B.It blocks UV rays
C.It maintains the Earth's average temperature
D.It prevents rain
Correct Answer: It maintains the Earth's average temperature
Explanation:
Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be around -18°C, making it too cold for most life forms.
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40Disaster Management involves which cycle of activities?
The standard disaster management cycle includes Mitigation (prevention), Preparedness (planning), Response (during disaster), and Recovery (post-disaster).
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41A 'Keystone Species' is:
A.The most abundant species
B.A species at the bottom of the food chain
C.An extinct species
D.A species with a disproportionately large effect on its environment
Correct Answer: A species with a disproportionately large effect on its environment
Explanation:
Keystone species define an entire ecosystem. Without them, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist.
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42Which soil horizon is known as Topsoil?
A.B Horizon
B.C Horizon
C.O Horizon
D.A Horizon
Correct Answer: A Horizon
Explanation:
The A Horizon is the topsoil, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients and is crucial for plant growth.
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43Anthropogenic hazards are caused by:
A.Atmospheric conditions
B.Human activities
C.Solar flares
D.Geological forces
Correct Answer: Human activities
Explanation:
Anthropogenic hazards (like oil spills, nuclear accidents, pollution) are induced by human activity, unlike natural hazards.
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44The 'Silent Valley' is located in which Indian state?
A.Himachal Pradesh
B.Karnataka
C.Uttarakhand
D.Kerala
Correct Answer: Kerala
Explanation:
Silent Valley National Park is located in Kerala and is known for its unique biodiversity and the movement to save it from a hydroelectric project.
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45Which international body was established to assess the science related to climate change?
A.NATO
B.WTO
C.IPCC
D.WHO
Correct Answer: IPCC
Explanation:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and future risks.
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46What is the primary cause of Tsunami?
A.Undersea earthquakes
B.Cyclones
C.Tides
D.Atmospheric pressure
Correct Answer: Undersea earthquakes
Explanation:
Tsunamis are large waves primarily caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
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47Fly ash is a major environmental pollutant produced by:
A.Thermal power plants
B.Nuclear power plants
C.Hydroelectric plants
D.Wind farms
Correct Answer: Thermal power plants
Explanation:
Fly ash is the residue generated in combustion, and comprises the fine particles that rise with the flue gases, primarily from coal-fired thermal power plants.
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48Which of the following is an example of Non-Point Source pollution?
A.Smoke stack
B.Agricultural runoff
C.Oil spill from a tanker
D.Discharge pipe from a factory
Correct Answer: Agricultural runoff
Explanation:
Non-point source pollution comes from diffuse sources (like rain moving over farm fields carrying fertilizers) rather than a single specific outlet.
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49The concept of 'Carrying Capacity' refers to:
A.Maximum water a river can hold
B.Maximum population size an environment can sustain
C.Maximum weight a vehicle can carry
D.Maximum trash a landfill can take
Correct Answer: Maximum population size an environment can sustain
Explanation:
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained by that specific environment, given the food, habitat, water, and other resources available.
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50Which article of the Indian Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to protect the environment?
A.Article 48A
B.Article 21
C.Article 14
D.Article 51A(g)
Correct Answer: Article 51A(g)
Explanation:
Article 51A(g) states it is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.