UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 10 February 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 10 February 2026 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.
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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and xerarch succession takes place in dry areas. The species that invade a bare area are called keystone species. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 3 is incorrect. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions. As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric). The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation. A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 3 is incorrect. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions. As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric). The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation. A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements.
• Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
• Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and xerarch succession takes place in dry areas.
• The species that invade a bare area are called keystone species.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: A
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively.
Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions.
As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric).
The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation.
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.
Solution: A
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively.
Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions.
As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric).
The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation.
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Molds derive energy through a) Autotrophy b) Heterotrophy c) Sulphur synthesis d) Photosynthesis Correct Solution: B We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Incorrect Solution: B We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
#### 2. Question
Molds derive energy through
• a) Autotrophy
• b) Heterotrophy
• c) Sulphur synthesis
• d) Photosynthesis
Solution: B
We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
Solution: B
We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected. The density of ocean water would drastically increase. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: B Phytoplanktons are food factories of the ocean, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide in large quantities (Carbon Sink) and produce food. So, if phytoplanktons are removed completely it leads to catastrophic failure of ocean ecosystem. It doesn’t influence the density of ocean water. Incorrect Solution: B Phytoplanktons are food factories of the ocean, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide in large quantities (Carbon Sink) and produce food. So, if phytoplanktons are removed completely it leads to catastrophic failure of ocean ecosystem. It doesn’t influence the density of ocean water.
#### 3. Question
What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
• The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
• The density of ocean water would drastically increase.
• The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
Which of the above statements are correct?
• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1 and 3 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Phytoplanktons are food factories of the ocean, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide in large quantities (Carbon Sink) and produce food. So, if phytoplanktons are removed completely it leads to catastrophic failure of ocean ecosystem. It doesn’t influence the density of ocean water.
Solution: B
Phytoplanktons are food factories of the ocean, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide in large quantities (Carbon Sink) and produce food. So, if phytoplanktons are removed completely it leads to catastrophic failure of ocean ecosystem. It doesn’t influence the density of ocean water.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following are the Ozone depleting substances. Methyl chloroform Halons Methyl bromide Carbon tetrachloride Hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs) Select the correct answer code: a) All except 3 b) All except 4 c) All except 5 d) All of the above Correct Solution: D Ozone depleting substances include: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs) halons methyl bromide carbon tetrachloride methyl chloroform. Incorrect Solution: D Ozone depleting substances include: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs) halons methyl bromide carbon tetrachloride methyl chloroform.
#### 4. Question
Which of the following are the Ozone depleting substances.
• Methyl chloroform
• Methyl bromide
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs)
Select the correct answer code:
• a) All except 3
• b) All except 4
• c) All except 5
• d) All of the above
Solution: D
Ozone depleting substances include:
• chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs)
• methyl bromide
• carbon tetrachloride
• methyl chloroform.
Solution: D
Ozone depleting substances include:
• chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs)
• methyl bromide
• carbon tetrachloride
• methyl chloroform.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. Biochar induces carbon sequestration. Biochar is used as a soil amendment. Use of Biochar in soil leads to soil-borne diseases. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer. Statement 1: Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. Like most charcoal, biochar is made from biomass via pyrolysis. Biochar is under investigation as an approach to carbon sequestration to produce negative carbon dioxide emission. Statement 2 and 3: Independently, biochar can increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases. Biochar reduces pressure on forests. Biochar is a stable solid, rich in carbon, and can endure in soil for thousands of years Incorrect Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer. Statement 1: Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. Like most charcoal, biochar is made from biomass via pyrolysis. Biochar is under investigation as an approach to carbon sequestration to produce negative carbon dioxide emission. Statement 2 and 3: Independently, biochar can increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases. Biochar reduces pressure on forests. Biochar is a stable solid, rich in carbon, and can endure in soil for thousands of years
#### 5. Question
Consider the following statements.
• Biochar induces carbon sequestration.
• Biochar is used as a soil amendment.
• Use of Biochar in soil leads to soil-borne diseases.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: B
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer.
Statement 1: Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. Like most charcoal, biochar is made from biomass via pyrolysis. Biochar is under investigation as an approach to carbon sequestration to produce negative carbon dioxide emission.
Statement 2 and 3: Independently, biochar can increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases.
Biochar reduces pressure on forests. Biochar is a stable solid, rich in carbon, and can endure in soil for thousands of years
Solution: B
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer.
Statement 1: Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. Like most charcoal, biochar is made from biomass via pyrolysis. Biochar is under investigation as an approach to carbon sequestration to produce negative carbon dioxide emission.
Statement 2 and 3: Independently, biochar can increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases.
Biochar reduces pressure on forests. Biochar is a stable solid, rich in carbon, and can endure in soil for thousands of years
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