UPSC STATIC QUIZ – Environment : 22 April 2024

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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.

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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 correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) 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: a) 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 correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

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: a)

Only Statement 2 is correct.

• The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Ecological Niche. A niche can be described as the interactions between a species with its biotic and abiotic environment. Two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time. 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: a) Niche is basically the ecological or functional role of a species in an ecosystem, especially with regards to food consumption. A niche can also be described as the interactions, a species has with its biotic and abiotic environment. According to the competitive exclusion principle, no two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time. Incorrect Solution: a) Niche is basically the ecological or functional role of a species in an ecosystem, especially with regards to food consumption. A niche can also be described as the interactions, a species has with its biotic and abiotic environment. According to the competitive exclusion principle, no two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Ecological Niche.

• A niche can be described as the interactions between a species with its biotic and abiotic environment.

• Two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: a)

Niche is basically the ecological or functional role of a species in an ecosystem, especially with regards to food consumption. A niche can also be described as the interactions, a species has with its biotic and abiotic environment.

According to the competitive exclusion principle, no two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time.

Solution: a)

According to the competitive exclusion principle, no two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for a long time.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding dissolved oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem Its concentration in fresh water is usually more than the concentration of oxygen in air. It increases with increase in temperature of a water-body. Snow cover of ice on water reduces dissolved oxygen concentration. 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 3 is correct. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water – the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms. The amount of dissolved oxygen in a stream or lake can tell us a lot about its water quality. Oxygen concentrations are much higher in air, which is about 21% oxygen, than in water, which is a tiny fraction of 1 percent oxygen. Dissolved oxygen levels decrease with increasing temperature and atmospheric oxygen content is far higher than dissolved oxygen levels. Ice and snow reduce the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, thereby reducing photosynthesis and oxygen production. Incorrect Solution: a) Only statement 3 is correct. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water – the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms. The amount of dissolved oxygen in a stream or lake can tell us a lot about its water quality. Oxygen concentrations are much higher in air, which is about 21% oxygen, than in water, which is a tiny fraction of 1 percent oxygen. Dissolved oxygen levels decrease with increasing temperature and atmospheric oxygen content is far higher than dissolved oxygen levels. Ice and snow reduce the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, thereby reducing photosynthesis and oxygen production.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding dissolved oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem

• Its concentration in fresh water is usually more than the concentration of oxygen in air.

• It increases with increase in temperature of a water-body.

• Snow cover of ice on water reduces dissolved oxygen concentration.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Only statement 3 is correct.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water – the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms. The amount of dissolved oxygen in a stream or lake can tell us a lot about its water quality.

Oxygen concentrations are much higher in air, which is about 21% oxygen, than in water, which is a tiny fraction of 1 percent oxygen.

Dissolved oxygen levels decrease with increasing temperature and atmospheric oxygen content is far higher than dissolved oxygen levels.

Ice and snow reduce the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, thereby reducing photosynthesis and oxygen production.

Solution: a)

Only statement 3 is correct.

Oxygen concentrations are much higher in air, which is about 21% oxygen, than in water, which is a tiny fraction of 1 percent oxygen.

Dissolved oxygen levels decrease with increasing temperature and atmospheric oxygen content is far higher than dissolved oxygen levels.

Ice and snow reduce the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, thereby reducing photosynthesis and oxygen production.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Sloth Bear. Sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India. The species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants in India. Wildlife SOS India, is an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: c) Classified as Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, **sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India.** **Wildlife SOS India, an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades.** Sloth bears are identified by their very distinct long, shaggy dark brown or black fur, distinct white V-shaped chest patch and four-inch long ivory-coloured curved claws used for digging out termites and ants from rock-hard mounds. Listed under **Schedule I of The (Wildlife Protection) Act of India, 1972 the species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants.** Incorrect Solution: c) Classified as Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India. Wildlife SOS India, an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades. Sloth bears are identified by their very distinct long, shaggy dark brown or black fur, distinct white V-shaped chest patch and four-inch long ivory-coloured curved claws used for digging out termites and ants from rock-hard mounds. Listed under Schedule I of The (Wildlife Protection) Act of India, 1972 the species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Sloth Bear.

• Sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India.

• The species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants in India.

• Wildlife SOS India, is an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: c)

Classified as `Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India.

Wildlife SOS India, an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades.

Sloth bears are identified by their very distinct long, shaggy dark brown or black fur, distinct white V-shaped chest patch and four-inch long ivory-coloured curved claws used for digging out termites and ants from rock-hard mounds. Listed under Schedule I of The (Wildlife Protection) Act of India, 1972 the species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants.

Solution: c)

Classified as `Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India.

Wildlife SOS India, an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. The World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated to mark the establishment of CITES. CITES is an international agreement between governments, that aim to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. The CITES Secretariat is administered by International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN). 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. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of protecting the world’s wild animals and plants. This was as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day. CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants, ranging from live animals and plants to wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, medicines, etc. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme consensus-based decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of protecting the world’s wild animals and plants. This was as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day. CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants, ranging from live animals and plants to wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, medicines, etc. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme consensus-based decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements.

• The World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated to mark the establishment of CITES.

• CITES is an international agreement between governments, that aim to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

• The CITES Secretariat is administered by International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN).

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of protecting the world’s wild animals and plants. This was as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day.

CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants, ranging from live animals and plants to wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, medicines, etc.

The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme consensus-based decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

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