UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 21 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 21 June 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 Consider the following statements. Statement-I: The Arctic region is warming at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet. Statement-II: The primary driver of global sea-level rise is the thermal expansion of ocean water, with melting land-based ice contributing only secondarily. 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: C Statement-I is correct. It is a well-documented phenomenon known as Arctic amplification that the Arctic is heating up at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet. This has widespread environmental consequences. Statement-II is incorrect. While thermal expansion of ocean water does contribute significantly to sea-level rise, the melting of land-based ice, especially from glaciers and ice sheets (like Greenland and Antarctica), is a primary driver, not a secondary one. In fact, for much of the recent period, melting land-based ice has become the dominant contributor to sea-level rise. Incorrect Solution: C Statement-I is correct. It is a well-documented phenomenon known as Arctic amplification that the Arctic is heating up at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet. This has widespread environmental consequences. Statement-II is incorrect. While thermal expansion of ocean water does contribute significantly to sea-level rise, the melting of land-based ice, especially from glaciers and ice sheets (like Greenland and Antarctica), is a primary driver, not a secondary one. In fact, for much of the recent period, melting land-based ice has become the dominant contributor to sea-level rise.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements.
Statement-I: The Arctic region is warming at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet.
Statement-II: The primary driver of global sea-level rise is the thermal expansion of ocean water, with melting land-based ice contributing only secondarily.
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: C
• Statement-I is correct. It is a well-documented phenomenon known as Arctic amplification that the Arctic is heating up at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet. This has widespread environmental consequences.
• Statement-II is incorrect. While thermal expansion of ocean water does contribute significantly to sea-level rise, the melting of land-based ice, especially from glaciers and ice sheets (like Greenland and Antarctica), is a primary driver, not a secondary one. In fact, for much of the recent period, melting land-based ice has become the dominant contributor to sea-level rise.
Solution: C
• Statement-I is correct. It is a well-documented phenomenon known as Arctic amplification that the Arctic is heating up at more than double the rate of the rest of the planet. This has widespread environmental consequences.
• Statement-II is incorrect. While thermal expansion of ocean water does contribute significantly to sea-level rise, the melting of land-based ice, especially from glaciers and ice sheets (like Greenland and Antarctica), is a primary driver, not a secondary one. In fact, for much of the recent period, melting land-based ice has become the dominant contributor to sea-level rise.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following organisms: Cicada Froghopper Pond Skater Termite How many of the above are classified as insects? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D Cicadas are well-known insects, famous for their loud buzzing sounds. Froghoppers (also known as spittlebugs) are small, jumping insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. Pond Skaters (or water striders) are insects known for their ability to walk on the surface of water, also belonging to the order Hemiptera. Termites are social insects belonging to the order Blattodea (along with cockroaches) or sometimes classified in their own order, Isoptera. They are well-known for feeding on cellulose. Incorrect Solution: D Cicadas are well-known insects, famous for their loud buzzing sounds. Froghoppers (also known as spittlebugs) are small, jumping insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. Pond Skaters (or water striders) are insects known for their ability to walk on the surface of water, also belonging to the order Hemiptera. Termites are social insects belonging to the order Blattodea (along with cockroaches) or sometimes classified in their own order, Isoptera. They are well-known for feeding on cellulose.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following organisms:
• Froghopper
• Pond Skater
How many of the above are classified as insects?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) Only three
• (d) All four
Solution: D
• Cicadas are well-known insects, famous for their loud buzzing sounds.
• Froghoppers (also known as spittlebugs) are small, jumping insects belonging to the order Hemiptera.
• Pond Skaters (or water striders) are insects known for their ability to walk on the surface of water, also belonging to the order Hemiptera.
• Termites are social insects belonging to the order Blattodea (along with cockroaches) or sometimes classified in their own order, Isoptera. They are well-known for feeding on cellulose.
Solution: D
• Cicadas are well-known insects, famous for their loud buzzing sounds.
• Froghoppers (also known as spittlebugs) are small, jumping insects belonging to the order Hemiptera.
• Pond Skaters (or water striders) are insects known for their ability to walk on the surface of water, also belonging to the order Hemiptera.
• Termites are social insects belonging to the order Blattodea (along with cockroaches) or sometimes classified in their own order, Isoptera. They are well-known for feeding on cellulose.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Statement-I: Global warming is leading to ocean acidification because warmer waters can hold more dissolved carbon dioxide. Statement-II: The absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by oceans leads to a decrease in seawater pH, making it more acidic. 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: D Statement-I is incorrect because warmer waters actually hold *less* dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), not more. As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water decreases. Hence, with global warming, the ocean’s ability to absorb CO₂ declines. This contradicts Statement-I’s claim that warmer waters can hold more CO₂. Statement-II is correct. Oceans absorb nearly a third of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The increased concentration of hydrogen ions causes a reduction in pH, leading to ocean acidification. This process has significant ecological impacts, particularly on calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish, and some plankton species, which rely on carbonate ions to build their skeletons and shells. As acidification increases, these ions become less available, threatening marine biodiversity and food chains. Therefore, while ocean acidification is caused by CO₂ absorption, it is not due to warmer waters holding more CO₂, making Statement-II correct and Statement-I incorrect. Incorrect Solution: D Statement-I is incorrect because warmer waters actually hold *less* dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), not more. As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water decreases. Hence, with global warming, the ocean’s ability to absorb CO₂ declines. This contradicts Statement-I’s claim that warmer waters can hold more CO₂. Statement-II is correct. Oceans absorb nearly a third of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The increased concentration of hydrogen ions causes a reduction in pH, leading to ocean acidification. This process has significant ecological impacts, particularly on calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish, and some plankton species, which rely on carbonate ions to build their skeletons and shells. As acidification increases, these ions become less available, threatening marine biodiversity and food chains. Therefore, while ocean acidification is caused by CO₂ absorption, it is not due to warmer waters holding more CO₂, making Statement-II correct and Statement-I incorrect.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements.
Statement-I: Global warming is leading to ocean acidification because warmer waters can hold more dissolved carbon dioxide.
Statement-II: The absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by oceans leads to a decrease in seawater pH, making it more acidic.
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: D
• Statement-I is incorrect because warmer waters actually hold *less* dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), not more. As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water decreases. Hence, with global warming, the ocean’s ability to absorb CO₂ declines. This contradicts Statement-I’s claim that warmer waters can hold more CO₂.
• Statement-II is correct. Oceans absorb nearly a third of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The increased concentration of hydrogen ions causes a reduction in pH, leading to ocean acidification. This process has significant ecological impacts, particularly on calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish, and some plankton species, which rely on carbonate ions to build their skeletons and shells. As acidification increases, these ions become less available, threatening marine biodiversity and food chains.
• Therefore, while ocean acidification is caused by CO₂ absorption, it is not due to warmer waters holding more CO₂, making Statement-II correct and Statement-I incorrect.
Solution: D
• Statement-I is incorrect because warmer waters actually hold *less* dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), not more. As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water decreases. Hence, with global warming, the ocean’s ability to absorb CO₂ declines. This contradicts Statement-I’s claim that warmer waters can hold more CO₂.
• Statement-II is correct. Oceans absorb nearly a third of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The increased concentration of hydrogen ions causes a reduction in pH, leading to ocean acidification. This process has significant ecological impacts, particularly on calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish, and some plankton species, which rely on carbonate ions to build their skeletons and shells. As acidification increases, these ions become less available, threatening marine biodiversity and food chains.
• Therefore, while ocean acidification is caused by CO₂ absorption, it is not due to warmer waters holding more CO₂, making Statement-II correct and Statement-I incorrect.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match List-I (Pollutant/Issue) with List-II (Primary Source/Concern) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I List-II A. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 1. Indoor air quality and “sick building syndrome” B. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) 2. Non-biodegradable gum base in litter C. Chewing Gum Pollution 3. Emissions from power plants using fossil fuels D. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 4. “Forever chemicals” in consumer products and environment Select the correct answer Code: A B C D (a) 3 4 2 1 (b) 3 2 4 1 (c) 1 4 2 3 (d) 1 2 4 3 Correct Solution: A Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) is primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels at thermal power plants and industrial facilities, making it a key air pollutant associated with acid rain and respiratory problems. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation. They are used in a wide range of consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, leading to widespread environmental contamination. Chewing Gum Pollution refers to littering caused by non-biodegradable synthetic gum bases, which persist in urban environments and are difficult to clean up. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from products like paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies. In indoor spaces, they significantly degrade air quality, contributing to “sick building syndrome”, which causes headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation. Incorrect Solution: A Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) is primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels at thermal power plants and industrial facilities, making it a key air pollutant associated with acid rain and respiratory problems. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation. They are used in a wide range of consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, leading to widespread environmental contamination. Chewing Gum Pollution refers to littering caused by non-biodegradable synthetic gum bases, which persist in urban environments and are difficult to clean up. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from products like paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies. In indoor spaces, they significantly degrade air quality, contributing to “sick building syndrome”, which causes headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.
#### 4. Question
Match List-I (Pollutant/Issue) with List-II (Primary Source/Concern) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List-I | List-II
A. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) | 1. Indoor air quality and “sick building syndrome”
B. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) | 2. Non-biodegradable gum base in litter
C. Chewing Gum Pollution | 3. Emissions from power plants using fossil fuels
D. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | 4. “Forever chemicals” in consumer products and environment
Select the correct answer Code:
• (a) 3 4 2 1
• (b) 3 2 4 1
• (c) 1 4 2 3
• (d) 1 2 4 3
Solution: A
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) is primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels at thermal power plants and industrial facilities, making it a key air pollutant associated with acid rain and respiratory problems.
• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation. They are used in a wide range of consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, leading to widespread environmental contamination.
• Chewing Gum Pollution refers to littering caused by non-biodegradable synthetic gum bases, which persist in urban environments and are difficult to clean up.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from products like paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies. In indoor spaces, they significantly degrade air quality, contributing to “sick building syndrome”, which causes headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.
Solution: A
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) is primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels at thermal power plants and industrial facilities, making it a key air pollutant associated with acid rain and respiratory problems.
• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation. They are used in a wide range of consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, leading to widespread environmental contamination.
• Chewing Gum Pollution refers to littering caused by non-biodegradable synthetic gum bases, which persist in urban environments and are difficult to clean up.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from products like paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies. In indoor spaces, they significantly degrade air quality, contributing to “sick building syndrome”, which causes headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following best describes the term “Biopiracy” in the context of biodiversity? (a) The illegal trade of endangered animal species across international borders. (b) The introduction of invasive alien species that outcompete native flora and fauna. (c) The commercial exploitation of biological resources or traditional knowledge without fair compensation or benefit-sharing with the communities or countries of origin. (d) The genetic modification of crops leading to a reduction in agrobiodiversity. Correct Solution: C Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, or traditional knowledge related to biological resources, often from indigenous communities or developing countries, without obtaining proper authorization or providing fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use. Option (a) describes wildlife trafficking. Option (b) describes biological invasion. Option (d) describes a potential consequence of certain agricultural practices, but not biopiracy itself. Incorrect Solution: C Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, or traditional knowledge related to biological resources, often from indigenous communities or developing countries, without obtaining proper authorization or providing fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use. Option (a) describes wildlife trafficking. Option (b) describes biological invasion. Option (d) describes a potential consequence of certain agricultural practices, but not biopiracy itself.
#### 5. Question
Which of the following best describes the term “Biopiracy” in the context of biodiversity?
• (a) The illegal trade of endangered animal species across international borders.
• (b) The introduction of invasive alien species that outcompete native flora and fauna.
• (c) The commercial exploitation of biological resources or traditional knowledge without fair compensation or benefit-sharing with the communities or countries of origin.
• (d) The genetic modification of crops leading to a reduction in agrobiodiversity.
Solution: C
Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, or traditional knowledge related to biological resources, often from indigenous communities or developing countries, without obtaining proper authorization or providing fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
Option (a) describes wildlife trafficking.
Option (b) describes biological invasion.
Option (d) describes a potential consequence of certain agricultural practices, but not biopiracy itself.
Solution: C
Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, or traditional knowledge related to biological resources, often from indigenous communities or developing countries, without obtaining proper authorization or providing fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
Option (a) describes wildlife trafficking.
Option (b) describes biological invasion.
Option (d) describes a potential consequence of certain agricultural practices, but not biopiracy itself.
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