UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 16 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 16 December 2024 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 of the following ecosystem has an upright pyramid? The pyramid of number in a tree ecosystem. The pyramid of energy in a grassland ecosystem. The pyramid of biomass in sea. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Only Statement 2 is correct. In most ecosystems, all the pyramids, of number, of energy and biomass are upright, i.e., producers are more in number and biomass than the herbivores, and herbivores are more in number and biomass than the carnivores. Also, energy at a lower trophic level is always more than at a higher level. There are exceptions to this generalization: If you were to count the number of insects feeding on a big tree what kind of pyramid would you get? Now add an estimate of the number of small birds depending on the insects, as also the number of larger birds eating the smaller. Draw the shape you would get. The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton. Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step. Each bar in the energy pyramid indicates the amount of energy present at each trophic level in a given time or annually per unit area. The number of trophic levels in the grazing food chain is restricted as the transfer of energy follows 10 per cent law – only 10 per cent of the energy is transferred to each trophic level from the lower trophic level. Incorrect Solution: b) Only Statement 2 is correct. In most ecosystems, all the pyramids, of number, of energy and biomass are upright, i.e., producers are more in number and biomass than the herbivores, and herbivores are more in number and biomass than the carnivores. Also, energy at a lower trophic level is always more than at a higher level. There are exceptions to this generalization: If you were to count the number of insects feeding on a big tree what kind of pyramid would you get? Now add an estimate of the number of small birds depending on the insects, as also the number of larger birds eating the smaller. Draw the shape you would get. The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton. Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step. Each bar in the energy pyramid indicates the amount of energy present at each trophic level in a given time or annually per unit area. The number of trophic levels in the grazing food chain is restricted as the transfer of energy follows 10 per cent law – only 10 per cent of the energy is transferred to each trophic level from the lower trophic level.
#### 1. Question
Which of the following ecosystem has an upright pyramid?
• The pyramid of number in a tree ecosystem.
• The pyramid of energy in a grassland ecosystem.
• The pyramid of biomass in sea.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: b)
Only Statement 2 is correct.
• In most ecosystems, all the pyramids, of number, of energy and biomass are upright, i.e., producers are more in number and biomass than the herbivores, and herbivores are more in number and biomass than the carnivores. Also, energy at a lower trophic level is always more than at a higher level.
• There are exceptions to this generalization: If you were to count the number of insects feeding on a big tree what kind of pyramid would you get? Now add an estimate of the number of small birds depending on the insects, as also the number of larger birds eating the smaller. Draw the shape you would get.
• The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.
• Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step. Each bar in the energy pyramid indicates the amount of energy present at each trophic level in a given time or annually per unit area.
• The number of trophic levels in the grazing food chain is restricted as the transfer of energy follows 10 per cent law – only 10 per cent of the energy is transferred to each trophic level from the lower trophic level.
Solution: b)
Only Statement 2 is correct.
• In most ecosystems, all the pyramids, of number, of energy and biomass are upright, i.e., producers are more in number and biomass than the herbivores, and herbivores are more in number and biomass than the carnivores. Also, energy at a lower trophic level is always more than at a higher level.
• There are exceptions to this generalization: If you were to count the number of insects feeding on a big tree what kind of pyramid would you get? Now add an estimate of the number of small birds depending on the insects, as also the number of larger birds eating the smaller. Draw the shape you would get.
• The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.
• Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step. Each bar in the energy pyramid indicates the amount of energy present at each trophic level in a given time or annually per unit area.
• The number of trophic levels in the grazing food chain is restricted as the transfer of energy follows 10 per cent law – only 10 per cent of the energy is transferred to each trophic level from the lower trophic level.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Why do exotic species post a threat to an indigenous ecosystem such as in a Lake or an isolated island in the Andamans? Such species may cause diseases in native species. They may be predators of local species. Such species compete with the local or native species for food. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: c) Exotic species introduced to new environments often reset the ecological conditions in that new habitat, threatening the species that exist there; this is the reason that they are also termed invasive species. Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species; harmful effects of hybridization have led to a decline and even extinction of native species. Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no food value for wildlife. Lakes and islands are particularly vulnerable to extinction threats from introduced species. Incorrect Solution: c) Exotic species introduced to new environments often reset the ecological conditions in that new habitat, threatening the species that exist there; this is the reason that they are also termed invasive species. Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species; harmful effects of hybridization have led to a decline and even extinction of native species. Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no food value for wildlife. Lakes and islands are particularly vulnerable to extinction threats from introduced species.
#### 2. Question
Why do exotic species post a threat to an indigenous ecosystem such as in a Lake or an isolated island in the Andamans?
• Such species may cause diseases in native species.
• They may be predators of local species.
• Such species compete with the local or native species for food.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: c)
Exotic species introduced to new environments often reset the ecological conditions in that new habitat, threatening the species that exist there; this is the reason that they are also termed invasive species.
Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species; harmful effects of hybridization have led to a decline and even extinction of native species.
Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no food value for wildlife.
Lakes and islands are particularly vulnerable to extinction threats from introduced species.
Solution: c)
Exotic species introduced to new environments often reset the ecological conditions in that new habitat, threatening the species that exist there; this is the reason that they are also termed invasive species.
Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species; harmful effects of hybridization have led to a decline and even extinction of native species.
Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no food value for wildlife.
Lakes and islands are particularly vulnerable to extinction threats from introduced species.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. The biomass in the upper trophic levels is generally very high as compared to the lower trophic levels. The energy pyramid of an ecosystem is always upright and narrows to the top. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: b) Since each higher trophic level receives only a fraction of energy of the lower trophic levels, the energy pyramid is narrow at the top. But, generally (barring some aquatic ecosystems) lower trophic levels have higher biomass as compared to the higher trophic levels. Incorrect Solution: b) Since each higher trophic level receives only a fraction of energy of the lower trophic levels, the energy pyramid is narrow at the top. But, generally (barring some aquatic ecosystems) lower trophic levels have higher biomass as compared to the higher trophic levels.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements.
• The biomass in the upper trophic levels is generally very high as compared to the lower trophic levels.
• The energy pyramid of an ecosystem is always upright and narrows to the top.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• c) Both 1 and 2
• d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: b)
Since each higher trophic level receives only a fraction of energy of the lower trophic levels, the energy pyramid is narrow at the top.
But, generally (barring some aquatic ecosystems) lower trophic levels have higher biomass as compared to the higher trophic levels.
Solution: b)
Since each higher trophic level receives only a fraction of energy of the lower trophic levels, the energy pyramid is narrow at the top.
But, generally (barring some aquatic ecosystems) lower trophic levels have higher biomass as compared to the higher trophic levels.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Arrange the following ecosystems in the decreasing order of biomass productivity (g per metre square per year). Coral reefs Swamps and Marshes Cultivated lands Open ocean Select the correct answer code: a) 2-1-4-3 b) 1-2-3-4 c) 2-1-3-4 d) 1-2-4-3 Correct Solution: c) Incorrect Solution: c)
#### 4. Question
Arrange the following ecosystems in the decreasing order of biomass productivity (g per metre square per year).
• Coral reefs
• Swamps and Marshes
• Cultivated lands
• Open ocean
Select the correct answer code:
• a) 2-1-4-3
• b) 1-2-3-4
• c) 2-1-3-4
• d) 1-2-4-3
Solution: c)
Solution: c)
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Lichen is a pioneer species. What do you understand by this statement? a) It has the ability to form symbiotic relation with a large number of species. b) It can live in inhospitable climatic conditions. c) It contributes substantially to nutrient recycling in the ecosystem. d) It is generally one of the first species to colonize an ecosystem. Correct Solution: d) Lichens are typically the first organisms to colonize bare rock. They are therefore the pioneer species in primary succession. Many organisms require soil before they can colonize an area. Lichens that colonize bare rock secrete acids that break down the rock and start the soil-production process. Also, as lichens die, they provide some organic matter that also contributes to soil. Mosses can then colonize the thin soil; as mosses die, the soil thickens more allowing other hardy species to colonize. The process continues until a mature forest forms, sometimes centuries later. Incorrect Solution: d) Lichens are typically the first organisms to colonize bare rock. They are therefore the pioneer species in primary succession. Many organisms require soil before they can colonize an area. Lichens that colonize bare rock secrete acids that break down the rock and start the soil-production process. Also, as lichens die, they provide some organic matter that also contributes to soil. Mosses can then colonize the thin soil; as mosses die, the soil thickens more allowing other hardy species to colonize. The process continues until a mature forest forms, sometimes centuries later.
#### 5. Question
Lichen is a pioneer species. What do you understand by this statement?
• a) It has the ability to form symbiotic relation with a large number of species.
• b) It can live in inhospitable climatic conditions.
• c) It contributes substantially to nutrient recycling in the ecosystem.
• d) It is generally one of the first species to colonize an ecosystem.
Solution: d)
Lichens are typically the first organisms to colonize bare rock. They are therefore the pioneer species in primary succession.
Many organisms require soil before they can colonize an area. Lichens that colonize bare rock secrete acids that break down the rock and start the soil-production process. Also, as lichens die, they provide some organic matter that also contributes to soil. Mosses can then colonize the thin soil; as mosses die, the soil thickens more allowing other hardy species to colonize. The process continues until a mature forest forms, sometimes centuries later.
Solution: d)
Lichens are typically the first organisms to colonize bare rock. They are therefore the pioneer species in primary succession.
Many organisms require soil before they can colonize an area. Lichens that colonize bare rock secrete acids that break down the rock and start the soil-production process. Also, as lichens die, they provide some organic matter that also contributes to soil. Mosses can then colonize the thin soil; as mosses die, the soil thickens more allowing other hardy species to colonize. The process continues until a mature forest forms, sometimes centuries later.
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