UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 21 December 2024

UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 21 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 Consider the following statements regarding Indian rhinoceros. The Indian rhinoceros is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal. The Indian rhino is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List. Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest number of Indian rhinos in the wild today. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: a) The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal. It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look. The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category. According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022. There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks. Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures. Solution: a) The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal. It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look. The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category. According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022. There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks. Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures. Incorrect Solution: a) The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal. It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look. The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category. According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022. There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks. Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Indian rhinoceros.

• The Indian rhinoceros is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal.

• The Indian rhino is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List.

• Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest number of Indian rhinos in the wild today.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• b) 1 and 3 only

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: a)

The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal. It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look.

The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category.

According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022. There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks.

Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures.

Solution: a)

The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category.

Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures.

Solution: a)

The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category.

Rhinos have been poached for their horn, which is prized in some cultures.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a colourless gas that forms up to 2 miles above the ground. Ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant, since it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. It is highly stationary and does not travel long distances due to wind. How many of the above statements are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 3 is incorrect. What is ground-level ozone? Also known as tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface (up to 2 miles above the ground). Notably, it’s not directly emitted into the air but rather produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant. Ground-level ozone is likely to breach safety standards on hot summer days in urban areas, but can also reach unhealthy levels during colder months. The pollutant can also travel long distances due to wind and affect rural areas also. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 3 is incorrect. What is ground-level ozone? Also known as tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface (up to 2 miles above the ground). Notably, it’s not directly emitted into the air but rather produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant. Ground-level ozone is likely to breach safety standards on hot summer days in urban areas, but can also reach unhealthy levels during colder months. The pollutant can also travel long distances due to wind and affect rural areas also.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Ground-level ozone.

• Ground-level ozone is a colourless gas that forms up to 2 miles above the ground.

• Ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant, since it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air.

• It is highly stationary and does not travel long distances due to wind.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

What is ground-level ozone?

Also known as tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface (up to 2 miles above the ground).

Notably, it’s not directly emitted into the air but rather produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant.

Ground-level ozone is likely to breach safety standards on hot summer days in urban areas, but can also reach unhealthy levels during colder months. The pollutant can also travel long distances due to wind and affect rural areas also.

Solution: a)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

What is ground-level ozone?

Also known as tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface (up to 2 miles above the ground).

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements Statement-I: Peatlands are an effective carbon sink. Statement-II: Peatlands absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? a) Both statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. b) Both statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. Correct Solution: a) Peatlands are an effective carbon sink – they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. Carbon sinks are essential to combating the climate crisis and protecting planetary health. However, peatlands and other carbon sinks are already at risk of collapse due to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Incorrect Solution: a) Peatlands are an effective carbon sink – they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. Carbon sinks are essential to combating the climate crisis and protecting planetary health. However, peatlands and other carbon sinks are already at risk of collapse due to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements

Statement-I: Peatlands are an effective carbon sink.

Statement-II: Peatlands absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• a) Both statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• b) Both statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

• d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

Solution: a)

Peatlands are an effective carbon sink – they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. Carbon sinks are essential to combating the climate crisis and protecting planetary health. However, peatlands and other carbon sinks are already at risk of collapse due to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Solution: a)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. The ocean over regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton will appear blue-green to green, depending upon the type and density of the phytoplankton population there. Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs the green portions of the light spectrum. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: a) Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that contain the green-coloured pigment chlorophyll. The pigment helps them absorb sunlight, which they use to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into sugars. Moreover, chlorophyll absorbs the red and blue portions of the light spectrum — or photosynthesis — and reflects green light. “So, the ocean over regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton will appear as certain shades, from blue-green to green, depending upon the type and density of the phytoplankton population there,” Incorrect Solution: a) Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that contain the green-coloured pigment chlorophyll. The pigment helps them absorb sunlight, which they use to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into sugars. Moreover, chlorophyll absorbs the red and blue portions of the light spectrum — or photosynthesis — and reflects green light. “So, the ocean over regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton will appear as certain shades, from blue-green to green, depending upon the type and density of the phytoplankton population there,”

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements.

• The ocean over regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton will appear blue-green to green, depending upon the type and density of the phytoplankton population there.

• Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that contain chlorophyll.

• Chlorophyll absorbs the green portions of the light spectrum.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 1 and 3 only

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: a)

Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that contain the green-coloured pigment chlorophyll. The pigment helps them absorb sunlight, which they use to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into sugars. Moreover, chlorophyll absorbs the red and blue portions of the light spectrum — or photosynthesis — and reflects green light.

“So, the ocean over regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton will appear as certain shades, from blue-green to green, depending upon the type and density of the phytoplankton population there,”

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. Microplasticsare plastics that are less than five millimetres in diameter. Primary microplasticsare tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles. Secondary microplasticsare particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to sun’s radiation or ocean’s waves. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: d) Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum. However, recently, variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives have also emerged. Microplastics – officially defined as plastics less than five millimetres in diameter. There are two categories of microplastics. Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles. On the other hand, secondary microplastics are particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to environmental factors such as sun’s radiation or ocean’s waves. Incorrect Solution: d) Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum. However, recently, variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives have also emerged. Microplastics – officially defined as plastics less than five millimetres in diameter. There are two categories of microplastics. Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles. On the other hand, secondary microplastics are particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to environmental factors such as sun’s radiation or ocean’s waves.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Microplasticsare plastics that are less than five millimetres in diameter.

• Primary microplasticsare tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles.

• Secondary microplasticsare particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to sun’s radiation or ocean’s waves.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 1 and 3 only

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: d)

Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum. However, recently, variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives have also emerged.

Microplastics – officially defined as plastics less than five millimetres in diameter. There are two categories of microplastics. Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles. On the other hand, secondary microplastics are particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to environmental factors such as sun’s radiation or ocean’s waves.

Solution: d)

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