UPSC STATIC QUIZ – Environment : 29 May 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 one of the following biosphere reserves is spread over three states in India? (a) Agasthyamalai (b) Achanakmar-Amarkantak (c) Seshachalam (d)Nilgiri Correct Solution: d) The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats in South India. It is the largest protected forest area in India, spreading across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Incorrect Solution: d) The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats in South India. It is the largest protected forest area in India, spreading across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

#### 1. Question

Which one of the following biosphere reserves is spread over three states in India?

• (a) Agasthyamalai

• (b) Achanakmar-Amarkantak

• (c) Seshachalam

• (d)Nilgiri

Solution: d)

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats in South India. It is the largest protected forest area in India, spreading across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

Solution: d)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question An ecological pyramid is a diagrammatic presentation to describe trophic levels. How does the knowledge of ecological pyramid can help us in conservation of an ecosystem? It helps us to identify bio-accumulation. It helps us to identify bio-magnification. It helps us to recognize an invasive species. 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. Ecological pyramid doesn’t give evidence on introduction of new species. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. Ecological pyramid doesn’t give evidence on introduction of new species.

#### 2. Question

An ecological pyramid is a diagrammatic presentation to describe trophic levels. How does the knowledge of ecological pyramid can help us in conservation of an ecosystem?

• It helps us to identify bio-accumulation.

• It helps us to identify bio-magnification.

• It helps us to recognize an invasive species.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Ecological pyramid doesn’t give evidence on introduction of new species.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Ecological pyramid doesn’t give evidence on introduction of new species.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Xerarch succession takes place in wetter areas. The species that invade a bare area are called keystone species. 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 1 is correct. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions. As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric). The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation. A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Incorrect Solution: a) Only Statement 1 is correct. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions. As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric). The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation. A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

• Xerarch succession takes place in wetter areas.

• The species that invade a bare area are called keystone species.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

• (d) ) None

Solution: a)

Only Statement 1 is correct.

Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively.

Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions.

As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions. Hence, both hydrarch and xerach successions lead to medium water conditions (mesic) – neither too dry (xeric) nor too wet (hydric).

The species that invade a bare area are called pioneer species. In primary succession on rocks these are usually lichens which are able to secrete acids to dissolve rock, helping in weathering and soil formation.

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.

Solution: a)

Only Statement 1 is correct.

Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

Based on the nature of the habitat – whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it is on very dry areas – succession of plants is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively.

Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. In a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the grazing food chain than through the detritus food chain. In an aquatic ecosystem, detritus food chain is the major conduit for energy flow. Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) ) None Correct Solution: b) Only Statement 3 is correct. In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing food chain is the major conduit for energy flow. As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the grazing food chain. Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels: some of the organisms of DFC are prey to the GFC animals, and in a natural ecosystem, some animals like cockroaches, crows, etc., are omnivores. These natural interconnection of food chains make it a food web. Incorrect Solution: b) Only Statement 3 is correct. In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing food chain is the major conduit for energy flow. As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the grazing food chain. Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels: some of the organisms of DFC are prey to the GFC animals, and in a natural ecosystem, some animals like cockroaches, crows, etc., are omnivores. These natural interconnection of food chains make it a food web.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements.

• In a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the grazing food chain than through the detritus food chain.

• In an aquatic ecosystem, detritus food chain is the major conduit for energy flow.

• Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

• (d) ) None

Solution: b)

Only Statement 3 is correct.

In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing food chain is the major conduit for energy flow.

As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the grazing food chain.

Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels: some of the organisms of DFC are prey to the GFC animals, and in a natural ecosystem, some animals like cockroaches, crows, etc., are omnivores. These natural interconnection of food chains make it a food web.

Solution: b)

Only Statement 3 is correct.

In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing food chain is the major conduit for energy flow.

As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the grazing food chain.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question What does BW stand for as per the Koeppen climate classification? (a) Tundra climate (b) Desert climate (c) Steppe climate (d) Mesothermal climate Correct Solution: c) Incorrect Solution: c)

#### 5. Question

What does BW stand for as per the Koeppen climate classification?

• (a) Tundra climate

• (b) Desert climate

• (c) Steppe climate

• (d) Mesothermal climate

Solution: c)

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