UPSC STATIC QUIZ – Environment : 3 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 Consider the following statements regarding Kelp forests. Kelp forests are underwater areas which provide food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and marine mammal species. They offer crucial services such as carbon sequestration and erosion control. Bryozoa are highly beneficial for increasing the productivity of kelp forests. 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. Kelps cover 25 percent of the world’s coastlines and provide food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and marine mammal species. They also offer crucial services such as carbon sequestration and erosion control, according to scientists. But kelps are increasingly threatened by climate change, eutrophication and shoreline development, among other human-induced stressors. One such threat is from bryozoa, moss animals that grow as mats on kelps. They drive the seaweed to sink into the seafloor and disintegrate. The outbreak can be linked to high temperatures. For example, in 2015, researchers observed an expansive outbreak of bryozoa. These observations coincided with ‘the blob’, a marine heat wave that emerged across the northeast Pacific Ocean, according to a report. Dense kelp beds in warmer and less wave-exposed sites are more susceptible to bryozoan outbreaks. Seaweeds are farmed as they have industrial applications. They can be harvested to extract biostimulants for plant growth. They also can help in long-term carbon sequestration and regeneration of ocean habitats. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. Kelps cover 25 percent of the world’s coastlines and provide food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and marine mammal species. They also offer crucial services such as carbon sequestration and erosion control, according to scientists. But kelps are increasingly threatened by climate change, eutrophication and shoreline development, among other human-induced stressors. One such threat is from bryozoa, moss animals that grow as mats on kelps. They drive the seaweed to sink into the seafloor and disintegrate. The outbreak can be linked to high temperatures. For example, in 2015, researchers observed an expansive outbreak of bryozoa. These observations coincided with ‘the blob’, a marine heat wave that emerged across the northeast Pacific Ocean, according to a report. Dense kelp beds in warmer and less wave-exposed sites are more susceptible to bryozoan outbreaks. Seaweeds are farmed as they have industrial applications. They can be harvested to extract biostimulants for plant growth. They also can help in long-term carbon sequestration and regeneration of ocean habitats.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Kelp forests.

• Kelp forests are underwater areas which provide food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and marine mammal species.

• They offer crucial services such as carbon sequestration and erosion control.

• Bryozoa are highly beneficial for increasing the productivity of kelp forests.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Kelps cover 25 percent of the world’s coastlines and provide food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and marine mammal species. They also offer crucial services such as carbon sequestration and erosion control, according to scientists.

But kelps are increasingly threatened by climate change, eutrophication and shoreline development, among other human-induced stressors.

One such threat is from bryozoa, moss animals that grow as mats on kelps. They drive the seaweed to sink into the seafloor and disintegrate.

The outbreak can be linked to high temperatures. For example, in 2015, researchers observed an expansive outbreak of bryozoa. These observations coincided with ‘the blob’, a marine heat wave that emerged across the northeast Pacific Ocean, according to a report.

Dense kelp beds in warmer and less wave-exposed sites are more susceptible to bryozoan outbreaks.

Seaweeds are farmed as they have industrial applications. They can be harvested to extract biostimulants for plant growth. They also can help in long-term carbon sequestration and regeneration of ocean habitats.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

But kelps are increasingly threatened by climate change, eutrophication and shoreline development, among other human-induced stressors.

One such threat is from bryozoa, moss animals that grow as mats on kelps. They drive the seaweed to sink into the seafloor and disintegrate.

Dense kelp beds in warmer and less wave-exposed sites are more susceptible to bryozoan outbreaks.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question There are many documented cases of groundwater pollution which followed coal ash disposal. Which of these elements in coal ash makes it so harmful? Arsenic Cadmium Mercury Sorbitol How many of the above options is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: c) Option 4 is incorrect. Since coal contains trace levels of trace elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium, selenium, molybdenum and mercury). Fly ash obtained after combustion of this coal contains enhanced concentrations of these elements, and therefore the potential of the ash to cause groundwater pollution is high. Incorrect Solution: c) Option 4 is incorrect. Since coal contains trace levels of trace elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium, selenium, molybdenum and mercury). Fly ash obtained after combustion of this coal contains enhanced concentrations of these elements, and therefore the potential of the ash to cause groundwater pollution is high.

#### 2. Question

There are many documented cases of groundwater pollution which followed coal ash disposal. Which of these elements in coal ash makes it so harmful?

How many of the above options is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: c)

Option 4 is incorrect.

Since coal contains trace levels of trace elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium, selenium, molybdenum and mercury).

Fly ash obtained after combustion of this coal contains enhanced concentrations of these elements, and therefore the potential of the ash to cause groundwater pollution is high.

Solution: c)

Option 4 is incorrect.

Since coal contains trace levels of trace elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium, selenium, molybdenum and mercury).

Fly ash obtained after combustion of this coal contains enhanced concentrations of these elements, and therefore the potential of the ash to cause groundwater pollution is high.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Solid wastes to energy plants. Waste-to-energy plants can convert salt water to potable fresh water. The Processing of waste into biofuel is carbon-negative. The residue ash can be used in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: c) Benefits of wastes to energy plants: In terms of volume, usually waste-to-energy plants incinerate 80 to 90 percent of waste, thus helping large cities from choking due to unmanageable waste. Waste to energy generates clean, reliable energy from a renewable fuel source, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the combustion of which is a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Sometimes, the residue ash is clean enough to be used for some purposes such as raw materials for use in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction. Some waste-to-energy plants convert salt water to potable fresh water as a by-product of cooling processes. Waste-to-energy plants cause less air pollution than coal plants. It is carbon-negative – processing waste into biofuel releases considerably less carbon and methane into the air than having waste decay away in landfills or the lake. Incorrect Solution: c) Benefits of wastes to energy plants: In terms of volume, usually waste-to-energy plants incinerate 80 to 90 percent of waste, thus helping large cities from choking due to unmanageable waste. Waste to energy generates clean, reliable energy from a renewable fuel source, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the combustion of which is a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Sometimes, the residue ash is clean enough to be used for some purposes such as raw materials for use in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction. Some waste-to-energy plants convert salt water to potable fresh water as a by-product of cooling processes. Waste-to-energy plants cause less air pollution than coal plants. It is carbon-negative – processing waste into biofuel releases considerably less carbon and methane into the air than having waste decay away in landfills or the lake.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Solid wastes to energy plants.

• Waste-to-energy plants can convert salt water to potable fresh water.

• The Processing of waste into biofuel is carbon-negative.

• The residue ash can be used in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: c)

Benefits of wastes to energy plants:

• In terms of volume, usually waste-to-energy plants incinerate 80 to 90 percent of waste, thus helping large cities from choking due to unmanageable waste.

• Waste to energy generates clean, reliable energy from a renewable fuel source, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the combustion of which is a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

• Sometimes, the residue ash is clean enough to be used for some purposes such as raw materials for use in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction.

• Some waste-to-energy plants convert salt water to potable fresh water as a by-product of cooling processes.

• Waste-to-energy plants cause less air pollution than coal plants.

• It is carbon-negative – processing waste into biofuel releases considerably less carbon and methane into the air than having waste decay away in landfills or the lake.

Solution: c)

Benefits of wastes to energy plants:

• In terms of volume, usually waste-to-energy plants incinerate 80 to 90 percent of waste, thus helping large cities from choking due to unmanageable waste.

• Sometimes, the residue ash is clean enough to be used for some purposes such as raw materials for use in manufacturing cinder blocks or for road construction.

• Some waste-to-energy plants convert salt water to potable fresh water as a by-product of cooling processes.

• Waste-to-energy plants cause less air pollution than coal plants.

• It is carbon-negative – processing waste into biofuel releases considerably less carbon and methane into the air than having waste decay away in landfills or the lake.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Gas Hydrates Gas hydrates are formed when a gas such as methane gets trapped in well-defined cages of water molecules forming crystalline solids. Their decomposition can release large amounts of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) that could impact Earth’s climate. Sudden release of pressurized methane gas from ocean base may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis. 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. Gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline minerals that form when low molecular weight gas (such as methane, ethane, or carbon dioxide) combines with water and freezes into a solid under low temperature and moderate pressure conditions. Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4), which has led to the terms “gas hydrate” and “methane hydrate” often being used interchangeably. On Earth, gas hydrates occur naturally in some marine sediments and within and beneath permafrost. They are also speculated to form on other planets. Hydrate deposits are important for a variety of reasons: Gas hydrate deposits may contain roughly twice the carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil, and conventional natural gas combined, making them a potentially valuable energy resource. Their decomposition can release large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that could impact Earth’s climate. Sudden release of pressurized methane gas may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline minerals that form when low molecular weight gas (such as methane, ethane, or carbon dioxide) combines with water and freezes into a solid under low temperature and moderate pressure conditions. Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4), which has led to the terms “gas hydrate” and “methane hydrate” often being used interchangeably. On Earth, gas hydrates occur naturally in some marine sediments and within and beneath permafrost. They are also speculated to form on other planets. Hydrate deposits are important for a variety of reasons: Gas hydrate deposits may contain roughly twice the carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil, and conventional natural gas combined, making them a potentially valuable energy resource. Their decomposition can release large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that could impact Earth’s climate. Sudden release of pressurized methane gas may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Gas Hydrates

• Gas hydrates are formed when a gas such as methane gets trapped in well-defined cages of water molecules forming crystalline solids.

• Their decomposition can release large amounts of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) that could impact Earth’s climate.

• Sudden release of pressurized methane gas from ocean base may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline minerals that form when low molecular weight gas (such as methane, ethane, or carbon dioxide) combines with water and freezes into a solid under low temperature and moderate pressure conditions.

• Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4), which has led to the terms “gas hydrate” and “methane hydrate” often being used interchangeably.

• On Earth, gas hydrates occur naturally in some marine sediments and within and beneath permafrost. They are also speculated to form on other planets.

Hydrate deposits are important for a variety of reasons:

• Gas hydrate deposits may contain roughly twice the carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil, and conventional natural gas combined, making them a potentially valuable energy resource.

• Their decomposition can release large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that could impact Earth’s climate.

• Sudden release of pressurized methane gas may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis.

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

• Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4), which has led to the terms “gas hydrate” and “methane hydrate” often being used interchangeably.

• On Earth, gas hydrates occur naturally in some marine sediments and within and beneath permafrost. They are also speculated to form on other planets.

Hydrate deposits are important for a variety of reasons:

• Gas hydrate deposits may contain roughly twice the carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil, and conventional natural gas combined, making them a potentially valuable energy resource.

• Their decomposition can release large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that could impact Earth’s climate.

• Sudden release of pressurized methane gas may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. Decomposition is the process where decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients. Catabolism is the process where the humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur. Mineralization is process where bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. 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 1 is correct. You may have heard of the earthworm being referred to as the farmer’s ‘friend’. This is so because they help in the breakdown of complex organic matter as well as in loosening of the soil. Similarly, decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition. Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition. The important steps in the process of decomposition are fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation. Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation. By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism. It is important to note that all the above steps in decomposition operate simultaneously on the detritus. Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil. Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation. Incorrect Solution: b) Only Statement 1 is correct. You may have heard of the earthworm being referred to as the farmer’s ‘friend’. This is so because they help in the breakdown of complex organic matter as well as in loosening of the soil. Similarly, decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition. Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition. The important steps in the process of decomposition are fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation. Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation. By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism. It is important to note that all the above steps in decomposition operate simultaneously on the detritus. Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil. Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Decomposition is the process where decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients.

• Catabolism is the process where the humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur.

• Mineralization is process where bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Only Statement 1 is correct.

You may have heard of the earthworm being referred to as the farmer’s ‘friend’. This is so because they help in the breakdown of complex organic matter as well as in loosening of the soil. Similarly, decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition. Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition. The important steps in the process of decomposition are fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation.

• Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.

• By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.

• Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism.

• It is important to note that all the above steps in decomposition operate simultaneously on the detritus. Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil. Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation.

Solution: b)

Only Statement 1 is correct.

• Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.

• By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.

• Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism.

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