UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 30 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 30 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. Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and xerarch succession takes place in dry 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: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. 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: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. 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.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements.
• Ecological Succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
• Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and xerarch succession takes place in dry 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
Solution: b)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
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: b)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
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.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Ecological Succession is generally characterized by Increased productivity Decreased niche development Increased complexity of food webs 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. Ecological succession, the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire), or even millions of years after a mass extinction. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community. Two different types of succession—primary and secondary—have been distinguished. Primary succession occurs in essentially lifeless areas—regions in which the soil is incapable of sustaining life as a result of such factors as lava flows, newly formed sand dunes, or rocks left from a retreating glacier. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typified by smaller-scale disturbances that do not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment. Increased niche development is the characteristic feature of Ecological succession. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Ecological succession, the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire), or even millions of years after a mass extinction. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community. Two different types of succession—primary and secondary—have been distinguished. Primary succession occurs in essentially lifeless areas—regions in which the soil is incapable of sustaining life as a result of such factors as lava flows, newly formed sand dunes, or rocks left from a retreating glacier. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typified by smaller-scale disturbances that do not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment. Increased niche development is the characteristic feature of Ecological succession.
#### 2. Question
Ecological Succession is generally characterized by
• Increased productivity
• Decreased niche development
• Increased complexity of food webs
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: b)
Statement 2 is incorrect.
Ecological succession, the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire), or even millions of years after a mass extinction.
The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community.
Two different types of succession—primary and secondary—have been distinguished. Primary succession occurs in essentially lifeless areas—regions in which the soil is incapable of sustaining life as a result of such factors as lava flows, newly formed sand dunes, or rocks left from a retreating glacier. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typified by smaller-scale disturbances that do not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment.
Increased niche development is the characteristic feature of Ecological succession.
Solution: b)
Statement 2 is incorrect.
Ecological succession, the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire), or even millions of years after a mass extinction.
The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community.
Two different types of succession—primary and secondary—have been distinguished. Primary succession occurs in essentially lifeless areas—regions in which the soil is incapable of sustaining life as a result of such factors as lava flows, newly formed sand dunes, or rocks left from a retreating glacier. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typified by smaller-scale disturbances that do not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment.
Increased niche development is the characteristic feature of Ecological succession.
• Question 3 of 5 3. 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 correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) 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: a) 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.
#### 3. 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 correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: a)
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: a)
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.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition, thereby decreases the Dissolved Oxygen content of water. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. The higher value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates higher Dissolved Oxygen content of water. 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. The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water. Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water. The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water. It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water. Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water. The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water. It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
#### 4. Question
Consider the following statements.
• The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition, thereby decreases the Dissolved Oxygen content of water.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
• The higher value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates higher Dissolved Oxygen content of water.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: b)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water.
Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water.
The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water.
It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
Solution: b)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water.
Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water.
The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water.
It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Molds derive energy through a) Photosynthesis b) Heterotrophy c) Sulphur synthesis d) Autotrophy Correct Solution: b) We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Incorrect Solution: b) We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
#### 5. Question
Molds derive energy through
• a) Photosynthesis
• b) Heterotrophy
• c) Sulphur synthesis
• d) Autotrophy
Solution: b)
We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
Solution: b)
We can find molds on degraded bread. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilizing heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems.
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