UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 28 December 2024

UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 28 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 Aerosols. Aerosols influence climate by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, and by affecting the way clouds form. Some aerosols reflect the sun’s rays that beam on them and bounce the rays back out of the atmosphere. Examples of aerosols are fog, forest exudates, particulate air pollutants and smoke. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: d) An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols can be natural or anthropogenic. Examples of natural aerosols are fog, mist, dust, forest exudates and geyser steam. Examples of anthropogenic aerosols are particulate air pollutants and smoke. Aerosols influence climate in two primary ways: by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, or by affecting the way clouds form. Some aerosols, like many kinds of dust from ground-up rocks, are light-colored and even a little bit reflective. When the sun’s rays beam down on them, they bounce the rays back out of the atmosphere, preventing that heat from ever reaching Earth’s surface. Incorrect Solution: d) An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols can be natural or anthropogenic. Examples of natural aerosols are fog, mist, dust, forest exudates and geyser steam. Examples of anthropogenic aerosols are particulate air pollutants and smoke. Aerosols influence climate in two primary ways: by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, or by affecting the way clouds form. Some aerosols, like many kinds of dust from ground-up rocks, are light-colored and even a little bit reflective. When the sun’s rays beam down on them, they bounce the rays back out of the atmosphere, preventing that heat from ever reaching Earth’s surface.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Aerosols.

• Aerosols influence climate by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, and by affecting the way clouds form.

• Some aerosols reflect the sun’s rays that beam on them and bounce the rays back out of the atmosphere.

• Examples of aerosols are fog, forest exudates, particulate air pollutants and smoke.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: d)

An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols can be natural or anthropogenic. Examples of natural aerosols are fog, mist, dust, forest exudates and geyser steam. Examples of anthropogenic aerosols are particulate air pollutants and smoke.

Aerosols influence climate in two primary ways: by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, or by affecting the way clouds form.

Some aerosols, like many kinds of dust from ground-up rocks, are light-colored and even a little bit reflective. When the sun’s rays beam down on them, they bounce the rays back out of the atmosphere, preventing that heat from ever reaching Earth’s surface.

Solution: d)

Aerosols influence climate in two primary ways: by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of the atmosphere, or by affecting the way clouds form.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Balsams. Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch. Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change. In India they are endemic to hilly tracts in north-eastern states. 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. Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch. Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change, reflecting alterations in plant populations when climate change occurs. Idukki district, where Munnar is located, is renowned for its diverse range of balsams, earning it the nickname of a “balsam paradise” among scientists. The high-altitude areas surrounding Anamudi, the highest mountain in the Western Ghats, are particularly known for their rich diversity of wild balsams. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch. Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change, reflecting alterations in plant populations when climate change occurs. Idukki district, where Munnar is located, is renowned for its diverse range of balsams, earning it the nickname of a “balsam paradise” among scientists. The high-altitude areas surrounding Anamudi, the highest mountain in the Western Ghats, are particularly known for their rich diversity of wild balsams.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Balsams.

• Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch.

• Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change.

• In India they are endemic to hilly tracts in north-eastern states.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

• Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch.

• Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change, reflecting alterations in plant populations when climate change occurs.

• Idukki district, where Munnar is located, is renowned for its diverse range of balsams, earning it the nickname of a “balsam paradise” among scientists. The high-altitude areas surrounding Anamudi, the highest mountain in the Western Ghats, are particularly known for their rich diversity of wild balsams.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

• Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch.

• Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate change, reflecting alterations in plant populations when climate change occurs.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Arctic region consists of boreal forest and tundra ecosystems. Arctic region is resistant to wildfires. The global warming has led to more frequent lightning in the Arctic. 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. Wildfires have been a natural part of the Arctic’s boreal forest or snow forest and tundra (treeless regions) ecosystems. However, in recent years, their frequency and scale in the regions have increased, primarily due to global warming. More worryingly, these blazing wildfires are fueling the climate crisis. The Arctic has been warming roughly four times as fast as the world. While the global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the Arctic has become on average around 3 degree warmer than it was in 1980. This fast paced warming has led to more frequent lightning in the Arctic, which has further increased the likelihood of wildfires — lightning-sparked fires have more than doubled in Alaska and the Northwest Territories since 1975, according to a 2017 study. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Wildfires have been a natural part of the Arctic’s boreal forest or snow forest and tundra (treeless regions) ecosystems. However, in recent years, their frequency and scale in the regions have increased, primarily due to global warming. More worryingly, these blazing wildfires are fueling the climate crisis. The Arctic has been warming roughly four times as fast as the world. While the global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the Arctic has become on average around 3 degree warmer than it was in 1980. This fast paced warming has led to more frequent lightning in the Arctic, which has further increased the likelihood of wildfires — lightning-sparked fires have more than doubled in Alaska and the Northwest Territories since 1975, according to a 2017 study.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Arctic region consists of boreal forest and tundra ecosystems.

• Arctic region is resistant to wildfires.

• The global warming has led to more frequent lightning in the Arctic.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Wildfires have been a natural part of the Arctic’s boreal forest or snow forest and tundra (treeless regions) ecosystems. However, in recent years, their frequency and scale in the regions have increased, primarily due to global warming. More worryingly, these blazing wildfires are fueling the climate crisis.

The Arctic has been warming roughly four times as fast as the world. While the global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the Arctic has become on average around 3 degree warmer than it was in 1980.

This fast paced warming has led to more frequent lightning in the Arctic, which has further increased the likelihood of wildfires — lightning-sparked fires have more than doubled in Alaska and the Northwest Territories since 1975, according to a 2017 study.

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. In India, dancing frogs are only found in North-Eastern States. Amphibians are currently the most declining taxa globally. Global Amphibian Assessment is the comprehensive assessment of all known amphibian species conducted by UN Environment. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: d) The second Global Amphibian Assessment, conducted by over 1,000 experts and analysing 8,011 species worldwide, has revealed that the elusive dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are one of the most threatened amphibian genera. This assessment points out that 41 per cent of amphibian species are on the brink of extinction globally, with climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire, invasive species, and over-exploitation posing significant threats to them. The dancing frog genus, Micrixalus, which is part of the endemic family Micrixalidae, is identified as the most threatened frog genus in India. Amphibians are currently the second most declining taxa globally, after corals, making their conservation a matter of great concern. Incorrect Solution: d) The second Global Amphibian Assessment, conducted by over 1,000 experts and analysing 8,011 species worldwide, has revealed that the elusive dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are one of the most threatened amphibian genera. This assessment points out that 41 per cent of amphibian species are on the brink of extinction globally, with climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire, invasive species, and over-exploitation posing significant threats to them. The dancing frog genus, Micrixalus, which is part of the endemic family Micrixalidae, is identified as the most threatened frog genus in India. Amphibians are currently the second most declining taxa globally, after corals, making their conservation a matter of great concern.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements.

• In India, dancing frogs are only found in North-Eastern States.

• Amphibians are currently the most declining taxa globally.

• Global Amphibian Assessment is the comprehensive assessment of all known amphibian species conducted by UN Environment.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: d)

• The second Global Amphibian Assessment, conducted by over 1,000 experts and analysing 8,011 species worldwide, has revealed that the elusive dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are one of the most threatened amphibian genera.

• This assessment points out that 41 per cent of amphibian species are on the brink of extinction globally, with climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire, invasive species, and over-exploitation posing significant threats to them.

• The dancing frog genus, Micrixalus, which is part of the endemic family Micrixalidae, is identified as the most threatened frog genus in India.

• Amphibians are currently the second most declining taxa globally, after corals, making their conservation a matter of great concern.

Solution: d)

• The dancing frog genus, Micrixalus, which is part of the endemic family Micrixalidae, is identified as the most threatened frog genus in India.

• Amphibians are currently the second most declining taxa globally, after corals, making their conservation a matter of great concern.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Soil microbiomes. Soil microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem functions. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion. They work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3 Correct Solution: d) Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023. These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants. Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water. Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”. Incorrect Solution: d) Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023. These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants. Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water. Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Soil microbiomes.

• Soil microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem functions.

• Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion.

• They work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: d)

Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023.

These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants.

Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water.

Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”.

Solution: d)

Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water.

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