Fundamentals of Ecology & Ecosystems MCQ Questions
Ques:
41
Consider the following statements regarding Ecological balance:
It is a stable balance in the numbers of each species in an ecosystem.
It is also known as ‘The balance of nature’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Both 1 and 2
Ecological balance is a stable balance in the numbers of each species in an ecosystem.
Ecological balance is also known as ‘The balance of nature’.
Ecological balance is defined as "a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession."
Ques:
42
Consider the following:
Deforestation
Faulty Mining Practices
River Degradation
Which of the following factors are responsible for ecological changes and imbalances:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Ques:
43
Environment refers to:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All the above
The word environment is derived from the French word ‘Environ’ which means to 'encircle or surround. The environment is a very broad concept and involves everything that affects an organism during its lifetime. It is the totality of all social, biological, physical, and chemical elements individually as well as collectively that compose nature and human-made surroundings. It refers to the total of conditions which surround man at a given point in space and time. The environment is defined as the social, cultural and physical conditions that surround, affect and influence the survival, growth and development of people, animals or plants. As defined in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, "environment includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganisms and property. Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Ques:
44
Which of the following is not related to environmental protection?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Poverty Alleviation
Sustainable development and use of paper bags have a positive impact on the environment while air conditioning has a negative impact on the environment as it affects the ozone layer. Poverty alleviation has both positive and negative impact on the environment. Alternatively, poverty is indirectly linked to the environment whereas sustainable development, use of paper bags and air conditioning directly affect the environment. So, if we consider the positive impact on the environment from poverty alleviation, option (c) too may be the correct answer.
Ques:
45
Environment is a composite state of –
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above.
The environment may be divided into biotic and abiotic environments. The biotic environment is made up of biotic factors, that is all living things in the environment. The abiotic or physical environment is made up of all the physical factors that affect organisms, e.g. temperature, light intensity, the amount of available water etc. Physiographic factors refer to the physical characteristics and features of the Earth's surface, including landforms, climate patterns, geological structures, and natural resources. These factors influence the distribution of biotic and abiotic elements in an environment. For example, mountains can create barriers for the movement of organisms, while rivers and lakes provide habitats for aquatic species. Climate patterns such as rainfall and temperature determine the types of ecosystems that can thrive in a particular region.
Note: The Environment (Protection) Act of India was enacted in the year 1986. It extends to the whole of India.
Ques:
46
Generally, environment can be classified as following categories. Which among the following is NOT a part of such category?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Operational Environment
Generally, environment can be classified as physical, cultural and biological environment. Physical environment includes landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks, minerals, etc. Biological environment includes plants, animals, microorganisms, etc. whereas cultural environment include man-made features such as economic, social and political elements.
Ques:
47
World Environment Day is celebrated on:
Correct Answer:
(C)
5 June
World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June every year. China was the global host of 2019 World Environment Day with "Air Pollution" as the theme of that year's edition. In 2021, theme of World Environment Day was 'Ecosystem Restoration'.
Note: ‘Silent Spring’ is an environmental science book published in 1962. It was written by an American biologist and ecologist ‘Rachel Carson’.
Ques:
48
What is the theme for 'World Environment Day 2024?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1973, World Environment Day is the largest international event focused on the environment, coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Millions of people from governments, businesses, civil society, and educational institutions participate annually to raise awareness and take action on environmental issues, aiming to protect the planet's future.
The theme for 2024, "Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration," emphasizes the importance of restoring land, combating desertification, and enhancing resilience to drought.
Ques:
49
10 percent law is related with:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Transfer of energy as food from one trophic level to other
The Ten Percent Law of transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next was introduced by Raymond Lindeman in 1942. According to this law, during the transfer of energy from organic food from one trophic level to the next, only about ten percent of the energy from organic matter is stored as flesh. The remaining is lost during transfer, broken down in respiration or lost to incomplete digestion by higher trophic level. When organisms are consumed, 10% of the energy in the food is fixed into flesh and is available for next trophic level (carnivores or omnivores). When a carnivore or an omnivore consume that animal, only about 10% of energy is fixed in its flesh for the higher level. Thus, at every level of the food chain (first, second, third and top level), the consumer converts only 10% of the accumulated energy into his body weight.
Ques:
50
Which of the following statement is correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
The energy flow in the biospheric ecosystem is unidirectional.
The flow of energy in the ecosystem is unidirectional (or one-directional). The energy enters the plants (from the sun) through photosynthesis during the making of food. This energy is then passed on from one organism to another in a food chain. The energy given out by the organisms as heat is lost to the environment. It does not return to be used by the plants again. This makes the flow of energy in the ecosystem ‘unidirectional’. According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed in an isolated system. According to the second law whenever energy transforms into a new form, there is evident decay in its intensity. Similarly, with increasing trophic levels availability of energy decreases in the natural ecosystem.