UPSC STATIC QUIZ – Environment : 19 March 2024

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

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.

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements. As trees grow older, certain parts of it become dead wood, which is eventually decomposed by microbes and insects like termites. Termites release carbon from dead wood in the form of carbon dioxide and methane. As temperature rises, the decomposition activity of the termites reduces accordingly. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. A recent study has found that termites decompose wood at a much higher rate in warmer conditions. For every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, their decomposition activity goes up by almost seven times, it added. The study also revealed that as the Earth gets warmer, termites will rapidly spread across the world. This could, in turn, lead to a further rise in global temperatures, because these small insects while consuming deadwood release carbon into the atmosphere. The researcher also observed that these wood-eating termites were able to survive in warm and dry conditions, unlike microbes that need water to grow. Therefore, with “tropicalization (i.e., warming shifts to tropical climates), termite wood decay will likely increase as termites access more of Earth’s surface.” Although these insects are already found in colder areas, they play a limited role in the decaying of wood in comparison to fungi and bacteria. As a tree grows older, certain parts of it die and become dead wood, which is eventually decomposed by microbes and insects like termites. The decaying of dead wood results in the release of not only a variety of nutrients but also carbon. According to the study, termites release carbon from dead wood in the form of carbon dioxide and methane, two of the most important greenhouse gases. So, an increase in termite population and their faster decomposing activity can cause more greenhouse emissions, resulting in a hotter planet. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. A recent study has found that termites decompose wood at a much higher rate in warmer conditions. For every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, their decomposition activity goes up by almost seven times, it added. The study also revealed that as the Earth gets warmer, termites will rapidly spread across the world. This could, in turn, lead to a further rise in global temperatures, because these small insects while consuming deadwood release carbon into the atmosphere. The researcher also observed that these wood-eating termites were able to survive in warm and dry conditions, unlike microbes that need water to grow. Therefore, with “tropicalization (i.e., warming shifts to tropical climates), termite wood decay will likely increase as termites access more of Earth’s surface.” Although these insects are already found in colder areas, they play a limited role in the decaying of wood in comparison to fungi and bacteria. As a tree grows older, certain parts of it die and become dead wood, which is eventually decomposed by microbes and insects like termites. The decaying of dead wood results in the release of not only a variety of nutrients but also carbon. According to the study, termites release carbon from dead wood in the form of carbon dioxide and methane, two of the most important greenhouse gases. So, an increase in termite population and their faster decomposing activity can cause more greenhouse emissions, resulting in a hotter planet.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements.

• As trees grow older, certain parts of it become dead wood, which is eventually decomposed by microbes and insects like termites.

• Termites release carbon from dead wood in the form of carbon dioxide and methane.

• As temperature rises, the decomposition activity of the termites reduces accordingly.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

A recent study has found that termites decompose wood at a much higher rate in warmer conditions. For every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, their decomposition activity goes up by almost seven times, it added.

The study also revealed that as the Earth gets warmer, termites will rapidly spread across the world. This could, in turn, lead to a further rise in global temperatures, because these small insects while consuming deadwood release carbon into the atmosphere.

The researcher also observed that these wood-eating termites were able to survive in warm and dry conditions, unlike microbes that need water to grow. Therefore, with “tropicalization (i.e., warming shifts to tropical climates), termite wood decay will likely increase as termites access more of Earth’s surface.”

Although these insects are already found in colder areas, they play a limited role in the decaying of wood in comparison to fungi and bacteria.

As a tree grows older, certain parts of it die and become dead wood, which is eventually decomposed by microbes and insects like termites. The decaying of dead wood results in the release of not only a variety of nutrients but also carbon.

According to the study, termites release carbon from dead wood in the form of carbon dioxide and methane, two of the most important greenhouse gases. So, an increase in termite population and their faster decomposing activity can cause more greenhouse emissions, resulting in a hotter planet.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Although these insects are already found in colder areas, they play a limited role in the decaying of wood in comparison to fungi and bacteria.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements. Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases. The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities. Continental forests store at least ten times more carbon than Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: c) Statement 4 is incorrect. Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities. Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes store at least ten times more carbon than continental forests. Sedimentary rocks in the Earth’s crust contain loads of carbon compounds, including the hydrocarbons we use as fossil fuels that leads to excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases. Worryingly, the Amazon rainforest is now releasing instead of absorbing carbon dioxide. Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 4 is incorrect. Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities. Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes store at least ten times more carbon than continental forests. Sedimentary rocks in the Earth’s crust contain loads of carbon compounds, including the hydrocarbons we use as fossil fuels that leads to excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases. Worryingly, the Amazon rainforest is now releasing instead of absorbing carbon dioxide.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases.

• The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities.

• Continental forests store at least ten times more carbon than Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• c) Only three

• d) All four

Solution: c)

Statement 4 is incorrect.

Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities.

Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes store at least ten times more carbon than continental forests.

Sedimentary rocks in the Earth’s crust contain loads of carbon compounds, including the hydrocarbons we use as fossil fuels that leads to excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases. Worryingly, the Amazon rainforest is now releasing instead of absorbing carbon dioxide.

Solution: c)

Statement 4 is incorrect.

Carbon sinks are natural systems that suck up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Earth’s land and oceans absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities.

Mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes store at least ten times more carbon than continental forests.

Sedimentary rocks in the Earth’s crust contain loads of carbon compounds, including the hydrocarbons we use as fossil fuels that leads to excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

A forest is considered a carbon sink if it absorbs more carbon than it releases. Worryingly, the Amazon rainforest is now releasing instead of absorbing carbon dioxide.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Green Status of Species. It is a new Global Standard to measure how close a species is being fully ecologically functional across its range. It was launched by UNFCCC. It measures how much the species has recovered due to conservation efforts. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. The IUCN Green Status of Species, a new Global Standard to measure how close a species is to being fully ecologically functional across its range, and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation action. National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme called “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” & has been entrusted with the role of designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and implementation of “National Digital Health Mission” to create a National Digital Health Eco-system. National Health Authority is the successor of the National Health Agency, which was functioning as a registered society since 23rd May, 2018. Pursuant to Cabinet decision for full functional autonomy, National Health Agency was reconstituted as the National Health Authority on 2nd January 2019, under Gazette Notification Registered No. DL –(N) 04/0007/2003-18. NHA has been set-up to implement PM-JAY, as it is popularly known, at the national level. An attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with full functional autonomy, NHA is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. It is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, who manages its affairs. The CEO is the Ex-Office Member Secretary of the Governing Board. To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States. SHAs have full operational autonomy over the implementation of the scheme in the State including extending the coverage to non SECC beneficiaries. NHA is leading the implementation for Ayushman Bharat Digital MissionABDM in coordination with different ministries/departments of the Government of India, State Governments, and private sector/civil society organizations. Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/18/cashless-treatment-of-road-accident-victims/ Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. The IUCN Green Status of Species, a new Global Standard to measure how close a species is to being fully ecologically functional across its range, and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation action.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Green Status of Species.

• It is a new Global Standard to measure how close a species is being fully ecologically functional across its range.

• It was launched by UNFCCC.

• It measures how much the species has recovered due to conservation efforts.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The IUCN Green Status of Species, a new Global Standard to measure how close a species is to being fully ecologically functional across its range, and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation action.

• National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme called “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” & has been entrusted with the role of designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and implementation of “National Digital Health Mission” to create a National Digital Health Eco-system.

• National Health Authority is the successor of the National Health Agency, which was functioning as a registered society since 23rd May, 2018. Pursuant to Cabinet decision for full functional autonomy, National Health Agency was reconstituted as the National Health Authority on 2nd January 2019, under Gazette Notification Registered No. DL –(N) 04/0007/2003-18.

• NHA has been set-up to implement PM-JAY, as it is popularly known, at the national level. An attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with full functional autonomy, NHA is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. It is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, who manages its affairs. The CEO is the Ex-Office Member Secretary of the Governing Board.

• To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States. SHAs have full operational autonomy over the implementation of the scheme in the State including extending the coverage to non SECC beneficiaries.

• NHA is leading the implementation for Ayushman Bharat Digital MissionABDM in coordination with different ministries/departments of the Government of India, State Governments, and private sector/civil society organizations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/18/cashless-treatment-of-road-accident-victims/

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Liquified natural gas(LNG). LNG is a natural gas reduced to a liquid state (liquefaction) through intense heating. It is constituted almost wholly of methane. One of the main drawbacks of LNG is that it cannot be easily transported around the world by ships. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Only Statement 2 is correct. LNG is natural gas reduced to a liquid state (liquefaction) through intense cooling to around -161 degrees Celsius (-259 Fahrenheit). This liquid gas is 600 times smaller than the original volume and is half the weight of water. The compressed fossil fuel, which is constituted almost wholly of methane— a potent greenhouse gas —, can be transported around the world by ship. After arriving at its destination, the cargo is regasified in a floating terminal and redistributed through pipelines. But despite LNG’s export potential, the high cost of liquefaction and producing LNG has limited its market. The cooling, liquefying and transport processes, as well as the post-transport regasification procedures, also require a lot of energy. Because of LNG’s much more complex production and transport process, the risks of methane leakages along the production, transport and regasification chain are simply much higher and therefore much more emissions-intensive. Incorrect Solution: a) Only Statement 2 is correct. LNG is natural gas reduced to a liquid state (liquefaction) through intense cooling to around -161 degrees Celsius (-259 Fahrenheit). This liquid gas is 600 times smaller than the original volume and is half the weight of water. The compressed fossil fuel, which is constituted almost wholly of methane— a potent greenhouse gas —, can be transported around the world by ship. After arriving at its destination, the cargo is regasified in a floating terminal and redistributed through pipelines. But despite LNG’s export potential, the high cost of liquefaction and producing LNG has limited its market. The cooling, liquefying and transport processes, as well as the post-transport regasification procedures, also require a lot of energy. Because of LNG’s much more complex production and transport process, the risks of methane leakages along the production, transport and regasification chain are simply much higher and therefore much more emissions-intensive.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Liquified natural gas(LNG).

• LNG is a natural gas reduced to a liquid state (liquefaction) through intense heating.

• It is constituted almost wholly of methane.

• One of the main drawbacks of LNG is that it cannot be easily transported around the world by ships.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Only Statement 2 is correct.

LNG is natural gas reduced to a liquid state (liquefaction) through intense cooling to around -161 degrees Celsius (-259 Fahrenheit). This liquid gas is 600 times smaller than the original volume and is half the weight of water.

The compressed fossil fuel, which is constituted almost wholly of methane— a potent greenhouse gas —, can be transported around the world by ship. After arriving at its destination, the cargo is regasified in a floating terminal and redistributed through pipelines.

But despite LNG’s export potential, the high cost of liquefaction and producing LNG has limited its market.

The cooling, liquefying and transport processes, as well as the post-transport regasification procedures, also require a lot of energy.

Because of LNG’s much more complex production and transport process, the risks of methane leakages along the production, transport and regasification chain are simply much higher and therefore much more emissions-intensive.

Solution: a)

Only Statement 2 is correct.

But despite LNG’s export potential, the high cost of liquefaction and producing LNG has limited its market.

The cooling, liquefying and transport processes, as well as the post-transport regasification procedures, also require a lot of energy.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Forests and other land vegetation absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis is one of the ways of Carbon sequestration. An area which absorbs more carbon than releases it, is considered as carbon sink. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: c) Carbon sequestration is a crucial part of the global carbon cycle, as it is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. One of the ways this happens is when forests and other land vegetation absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. According to a 2014 NASA-led study, tropical forests remove up to 30 per cent of human carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and make for an important carbon sink — an area which absorbs more carbon than releases it. Therefore, they have a significant role in keeping global temperatures low. Incorrect Solution: c) Carbon sequestration is a crucial part of the global carbon cycle, as it is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. One of the ways this happens is when forests and other land vegetation absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. According to a 2014 NASA-led study, tropical forests remove up to 30 per cent of human carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and make for an important carbon sink — an area which absorbs more carbon than releases it. Therefore, they have a significant role in keeping global temperatures low.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

• Forests and other land vegetation absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis is one of the ways of Carbon sequestration.

• An area which absorbs more carbon than releases it, is considered as carbon sink.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: c)

Carbon sequestration is a crucial part of the global carbon cycle, as it is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. One of the ways this happens is when forests and other land vegetation absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.

According to a 2014 NASA-led study, tropical forests remove up to 30 per cent of human carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and make for an important carbon sink — an area which absorbs more carbon than releases it. Therefore, they have a significant role in keeping global temperatures low.

Solution: c)

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE