UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 15 December 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 15 December 2025 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 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the ‘Montreux Record’? (a) It is a register of cultural heritage sites that are in danger due to armed conflict or natural disaster. (b) It is a record of countries that have failed to meet their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. (c) It is a database of genetic resources of all known plant species maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organization. (d) It is a list of wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur. Correct Solution: D The Montreux Record is a principal tool under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (i.e., Ramsar Sites) that are facing significant ecological challenges. A site is included in the Montreux Record if its ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. The purpose of placing a site on this record is to highlight its perilous state and to encourage national and international attention and resources for its conservation and restoration. It serves as a priority list for conservation action. India has had sites on the Montreux Record. For example, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are currently on the record. Chilika Lake (Odisha) was on the record but was later removed following successful restoration efforts. This makes the Montreux Record a significant aspect of wetland conservation governance in India. Incorrect Solution: D The Montreux Record is a principal tool under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (i.e., Ramsar Sites) that are facing significant ecological challenges. A site is included in the Montreux Record if its ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. The purpose of placing a site on this record is to highlight its perilous state and to encourage national and international attention and resources for its conservation and restoration. It serves as a priority list for conservation action. India has had sites on the Montreux Record. For example, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are currently on the record. Chilika Lake (Odisha) was on the record but was later removed following successful restoration efforts. This makes the Montreux Record a significant aspect of wetland conservation governance in India.

#### 1. Question

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the ‘Montreux Record’?

• (a) It is a register of cultural heritage sites that are in danger due to armed conflict or natural disaster.

• (b) It is a record of countries that have failed to meet their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

• (c) It is a database of genetic resources of all known plant species maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

• (d) It is a list of wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur.

Solution: D

• The Montreux Record is a principal tool under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (i.e., Ramsar Sites) that are facing significant ecological challenges.

• A site is included in the Montreux Record if its ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. The purpose of placing a site on this record is to highlight its perilous state and to encourage national and international attention and resources for its conservation and restoration. It serves as a priority list for conservation action.

• India has had sites on the Montreux Record. For example, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are currently on the record. Chilika Lake (Odisha) was on the record but was later removed following successful restoration efforts. This makes the Montreux Record a significant aspect of wetland conservation governance in India.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to Ocean Acidification, consider the following statements: The primary cause of ocean acidification is the runoff of acidic industrial effluents into coastal waters. An increase in ocean acidity enhances the ability of calcifying organisms like corals and molluscs to build their shells and skeletons. Ocean acidification is a uniform process, affecting all oceanic regions from the tropics to the poles equally. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. While industrial effluents can cause localized pollution, the primary driver of global ocean acidificationis the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans. About a quarter to a third of anthropogenic emissions are absorbed by seawater, where it reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the ocean’s pH. Statement 2 is incorrect. The increase in acidity (i.e., higher concentration of hydrogen ions,) leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbonate ions. Calcifying organisms, such as corals, oysters, clams, and some plankton, rely on these carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Reduced availability of carbonate ions makes it more difficult for these organisms to build and maintain their structures, and can even lead to the dissolution of existing shells. Statement 3 is incorrect. Ocean acidification is not a uniform process. Cold water can absorb more than warm water, so polar regions like the Arctic are acidifying faster than tropical waters. Additionally, factors like ocean currents, freshwater inflows from rivers (as seen in the Bay of Bengal), and upwelling of deep, -rich water can create regional “hotspots” of acidification. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. While industrial effluents can cause localized pollution, the primary driver of global ocean acidificationis the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans. About a quarter to a third of anthropogenic emissions are absorbed by seawater, where it reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the ocean’s pH. Statement 2 is incorrect. The increase in acidity (i.e., higher concentration of hydrogen ions,) leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbonate ions. Calcifying organisms, such as corals, oysters, clams, and some plankton, rely on these carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Reduced availability of carbonate ions makes it more difficult for these organisms to build and maintain their structures, and can even lead to the dissolution of existing shells. Statement 3 is incorrect. Ocean acidification is not a uniform process. Cold water can absorb more than warm water, so polar regions like the Arctic are acidifying faster than tropical waters. Additionally, factors like ocean currents, freshwater inflows from rivers (as seen in the Bay of Bengal), and upwelling of deep, -rich water can create regional “hotspots” of acidification.

#### 2. Question

With reference to Ocean Acidification, consider the following statements:

• The primary cause of ocean acidification is the runoff of acidic industrial effluents into coastal waters.

• An increase in ocean acidity enhances the ability of calcifying organisms like corals and molluscs to build their shells and skeletons.

• Ocean acidification is a uniform process, affecting all oceanic regions from the tropics to the poles equally.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While industrial effluents can cause localized pollution, the primary driver of global ocean acidificationis the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans. About a quarter to a third of anthropogenic emissions are absorbed by seawater, where it reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the ocean’s pH.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The increase in acidity (i.e., higher concentration of hydrogen ions,) leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbonate ions. Calcifying organisms, such as corals, oysters, clams, and some plankton, rely on these carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Reduced availability of carbonate ions makes it more difficult for these organisms to build and maintain their structures, and can even lead to the dissolution of existing shells.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Ocean acidification is not a uniform process. Cold water can absorb more than warm water, so polar regions like the Arctic are acidifying faster than tropical waters. Additionally, factors like ocean currents, freshwater inflows from rivers (as seen in the Bay of Bengal), and upwelling of deep, -rich water can create regional “hotspots” of acidification.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to an ecotone, consider the following statements: It is a zone of transition between two distinct ecosystems and invariably possesses low species diversity due to environmental stress. The species composition in an ecotone is a simple mix, containing only species that are also found in the two adjacent communities. The phenomenon where the density and diversity of species are greater in the ecotone than in either of the adjoining ecosystems is known as the edge effect. Ecotones are always narrow and sharply defined zones, such as the boundary between a forest and a grassland. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While an ecotone is a transition zone, it does not invariably possess low species diversity. In fact, it often exhibits higher species diversity than the adjoining ecosystems due to the edge effect. It is a zone of tension, but this tension can lead to a rich mix of species. Statement 2 is incorrect. The species composition of an ecotone is not a simple mix. It contains species from both adjacent ecosystems, but it can also harbor species that are unique to the ecotone itself—specialist species adapted to the specific conditions of the transition zone. Therefore, it is not limited to containing only species from the adjacent communities. Statement 3 is correct. This is the precise definition of the edge effect. Ecotones often provide a wider range of ecological niches and resources than either of the bordering ecosystems, allowing them to support a greater number of species and a higher population density for certain species. These species are often called “edge species.” Statement 4 is incorrect. Ecotones are not always narrow and sharply defined. Their width can vary greatly. While a forest-grassland boundary might be relatively sharp, an estuary (the ecotone between a river and the sea) can be a very wide and gradual transition zone spanning many kilometers. The nature of the ecotone depends on the specific ecosystems it separates. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While an ecotone is a transition zone, it does not invariably possess low species diversity. In fact, it often exhibits higher species diversity than the adjoining ecosystems due to the edge effect. It is a zone of tension, but this tension can lead to a rich mix of species. Statement 2 is incorrect. The species composition of an ecotone is not a simple mix. It contains species from both adjacent ecosystems, but it can also harbor species that are unique to the ecotone itself—specialist species adapted to the specific conditions of the transition zone. Therefore, it is not limited to containing only species from the adjacent communities. Statement 3 is correct. This is the precise definition of the edge effect. Ecotones often provide a wider range of ecological niches and resources than either of the bordering ecosystems, allowing them to support a greater number of species and a higher population density for certain species. These species are often called “edge species.” Statement 4 is incorrect. Ecotones are not always narrow and sharply defined. Their width can vary greatly. While a forest-grassland boundary might be relatively sharp, an estuary (the ecotone between a river and the sea) can be a very wide and gradual transition zone spanning many kilometers. The nature of the ecotone depends on the specific ecosystems it separates.

#### 3. Question

With reference to an ecotone, consider the following statements:

• It is a zone of transition between two distinct ecosystems and invariably possesses low species diversity due to environmental stress.

• The species composition in an ecotone is a simple mix, containing only species that are also found in the two adjacent communities.

• The phenomenon where the density and diversity of species are greater in the ecotone than in either of the adjoining ecosystems is known as the edge effect.

• Ecotones are always narrow and sharply defined zones, such as the boundary between a forest and a grassland.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While an ecotone is a transition zone, it does not invariably possess low species diversity. In fact, it often exhibits higher species diversity than the adjoining ecosystems due to the edge effect. It is a zone of tension, but this tension can lead to a rich mix of species.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The species composition of an ecotone is not a simple mix. It contains species from both adjacent ecosystems, but it can also harbor species that are unique to the ecotone itself—specialist species adapted to the specific conditions of the transition zone. Therefore, it is not limited to containing only species from the adjacent communities.

• Statement 3 is correct. This is the precise definition of the edge effect. Ecotones often provide a wider range of ecological niches and resources than either of the bordering ecosystems, allowing them to support a greater number of species and a higher population density for certain species. These species are often called “edge species.”

Statement 4 is incorrect. Ecotones are not always narrow and sharply defined. Their width can vary greatly. While a forest-grassland boundary might be relatively sharp, an estuary (the ecotone between a river and the sea) can be a very wide and gradual transition zone spanning many kilometers. The nature of the ecotone depends on the specific ecosystems it separates.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Eutrophication: The process is initiated by the depletion of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in a water body. It leads to an increase in the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) due to the decomposition of large algal blooms. Cultural eutrophication is a slow, natural process of lake aging that occurs over millennia. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 2 is the only correct statement. Eutrophicationis the process of nutrient enrichment of a water body, which leads to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This dense growth, known as an algal bloom, eventually dies and sinks to the bottom. Aerobic bacteria then decompose this large mass of dead organic matter, a process that consumes vast amounts of dissolved oxygen from the water. This increased rate of oxygen consumption by decomposers is measured as a high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions that can cause mass fish kills and create “dead zones”. Statement 1 is incorrect because eutrophication is initiated by an overabundanceor enrichment of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, not their depletion. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff (fertilizers) and sewage discharge. Statement 3 is incorrect. Natural eutrophication is the slow, geological process of lake aging. Cultural or accelerated eutrophication, on the other hand, is a rapid process caused by human activities (anthropogenic inputs of nutrients) and can degrade a water body in a matter of decades. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 2 is the only correct statement. Eutrophicationis the process of nutrient enrichment of a water body, which leads to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This dense growth, known as an algal bloom, eventually dies and sinks to the bottom. Aerobic bacteria then decompose this large mass of dead organic matter, a process that consumes vast amounts of dissolved oxygen from the water. This increased rate of oxygen consumption by decomposers is measured as a high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions that can cause mass fish kills and create “dead zones”. Statement 1 is incorrect because eutrophication is initiated by an overabundanceor enrichment of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, not their depletion. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff (fertilizers) and sewage discharge. Statement 3 is incorrect. Natural eutrophication is the slow, geological process of lake aging. Cultural or accelerated eutrophication, on the other hand, is a rapid process caused by human activities (anthropogenic inputs of nutrients) and can degrade a water body in a matter of decades.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Eutrophication:

• The process is initiated by the depletion of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in a water body.

• It leads to an increase in the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) due to the decomposition of large algal blooms.

• Cultural eutrophication is a slow, natural process of lake aging that occurs over millennia.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 2 is the only correct statement. Eutrophicationis the process of nutrient enrichment of a water body, which leads to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This dense growth, known as an algal bloom, eventually dies and sinks to the bottom. Aerobic bacteria then decompose this large mass of dead organic matter, a process that consumes vast amounts of dissolved oxygen from the water. This increased rate of oxygen consumption by decomposers is measured as a high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions that can cause mass fish kills and create “dead zones”.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because eutrophication is initiated by an overabundanceor enrichment of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, not their depletion. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff (fertilizers) and sewage discharge.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Natural eutrophication is the slow, geological process of lake aging. Cultural or accelerated eutrophication, on the other hand, is a rapid process caused by human activities (anthropogenic inputs of nutrients) and can degrade a water body in a matter of decades.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding ecological pyramids: The pyramid of energy in any ecosystem is always upright because there is a progressive loss of energy at successive trophic levels. In a parasitic food chain, the pyramid of numbers can be inverted as a single large producer can support numerous smaller parasites. The pyramid of biomass in a marine ecosystem can be inverted because the biomass of phytoplankton at any given time is lower than the biomass of zooplankton that feed on them. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. The pyramid of energy is always upright. This is because it is based on the rate of energy flow through trophic levels and adheres to the second law of thermodynamics. At each transfer from one trophic level to the next, a significant amount of energy (typically around 90%) is lost as heat during metabolic processes. Therefore, the energy available to higher trophic levels is always less than the energy at lower levels, resulting in a pyramid with a broad base (producers) and a progressively narrowing top. Statement 2 is correct. The pyramid of numbers, which depicts the total number of individual organisms at each trophic level, can be inverted. A classic example is a tree ecosystem or a parasitic food chain. A single large tree (producer) can support thousands of herbivorous insects (primary consumers), which in turn can support hundreds of parasites (secondary consumers). In this case, the number of organisms increases at successive trophic levels, creating an inverted or spindle-shaped pyramid. Statement 3 is correct. The pyramid of biomass, which represents the total dry weight of organisms at each trophic level, can also be inverted, particularly in aquatic ecosystems like oceans or deep lakes. This occurs because the producers (phytoplankton) have a very short life cycle and rapid turnover rate. At any given moment, their standing crop (biomass) may be very small. However, they reproduce so quickly that they can support a much larger biomass of primary consumers (zooplankton) which have longer lifespans. This results in an inverted pyramid where the producer biomass is smaller than the consumer biomass. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. The pyramid of energy is always upright. This is because it is based on the rate of energy flow through trophic levels and adheres to the second law of thermodynamics. At each transfer from one trophic level to the next, a significant amount of energy (typically around 90%) is lost as heat during metabolic processes. Therefore, the energy available to higher trophic levels is always less than the energy at lower levels, resulting in a pyramid with a broad base (producers) and a progressively narrowing top. Statement 2 is correct. The pyramid of numbers, which depicts the total number of individual organisms at each trophic level, can be inverted. A classic example is a tree ecosystem or a parasitic food chain. A single large tree (producer) can support thousands of herbivorous insects (primary consumers), which in turn can support hundreds of parasites (secondary consumers). In this case, the number of organisms increases at successive trophic levels, creating an inverted or spindle-shaped pyramid. Statement 3 is correct. The pyramid of biomass, which represents the total dry weight of organisms at each trophic level, can also be inverted, particularly in aquatic ecosystems like oceans or deep lakes. This occurs because the producers (phytoplankton) have a very short life cycle and rapid turnover rate. At any given moment, their standing crop (biomass) may be very small. However, they reproduce so quickly that they can support a much larger biomass of primary consumers (zooplankton) which have longer lifespans. This results in an inverted pyramid where the producer biomass is smaller than the consumer biomass.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ecological pyramids:

• The pyramid of energy in any ecosystem is always upright because there is a progressive loss of energy at successive trophic levels.

• In a parasitic food chain, the pyramid of numbers can be inverted as a single large producer can support numerous smaller parasites.

• The pyramid of biomass in a marine ecosystem can be inverted because the biomass of phytoplankton at any given time is lower than the biomass of zooplankton that feed on them.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is correct. The pyramid of energy is always upright. This is because it is based on the rate of energy flow through trophic levels and adheres to the second law of thermodynamics. At each transfer from one trophic level to the next, a significant amount of energy (typically around 90%) is lost as heat during metabolic processes. Therefore, the energy available to higher trophic levels is always less than the energy at lower levels, resulting in a pyramid with a broad base (producers) and a progressively narrowing top.

• Statement 2 is correct. The pyramid of numbers, which depicts the total number of individual organisms at each trophic level, can be inverted. A classic example is a tree ecosystem or a parasitic food chain. A single large tree (producer) can support thousands of herbivorous insects (primary consumers), which in turn can support hundreds of parasites (secondary consumers). In this case, the number of organisms increases at successive trophic levels, creating an inverted or spindle-shaped pyramid.

• Statement 3 is correct. The pyramid of biomass, which represents the total dry weight of organisms at each trophic level, can also be inverted, particularly in aquatic ecosystems like oceans or deep lakes. This occurs because the producers (phytoplankton) have a very short life cycle and rapid turnover rate. At any given moment, their standing crop (biomass) may be very small. However, they reproduce so quickly that they can support a much larger biomass of primary consumers (zooplankton) which have longer lifespans. This results in an inverted pyramid where the producer biomass is smaller than the consumer biomass.

Solution: D

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