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UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Environment

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UPSC Prelims Environment - 2023

1) Consider the following statements:
Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve'

1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
2. hunting is not allowed in such area
3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer :(d) All four
2) Consider the following statements:

Statement-1: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-1 is correct Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Answer :(c) Statement-1 is correct Statement-II is incorrect
3) Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(b) The United Nations Environment Programme
(c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
(d) The World Wide Fund for Nature

Correct Answer :(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
4) Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(a) Only one
5) Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
(a) Butterflies
(b) Dragonflies
(c) Honeybees
(d) Wasps

Correct Answer :(c) Honeybees
6) Consider the following statements:

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties
2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer :(d) All four
7) Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:

1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
3. They are omnivorous.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(b) Only two
8) Consider the following statements:

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(d) All three
9) Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
(a) Fishing cat
(b) Orangutan
(c) Otter
(d) Sloth bear

Correct Answer :(b) Orangutan
10) Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Marakkanam Salt Pans
(c) Naupada Swamp
(d) Rann of Kutch

Correct Answer :(d) Rann of Kutch
11) Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Answer :(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
12) Consider the following heavy industries:

1. Fertilizer plants
2. Oil refineries
3. Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(c) All three
13) Consider the following activities :

1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters
How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(d) All three
14) With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(b) Only two
15) Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution :

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(b) Only two
16) With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements :

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer :(c) All three
17) Consider the following statements :

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer :(c) Both 1 and 2

UPSC Prelims Environment - 2022

1) Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ?
(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat

Correct Answer :(B) Rice
2) "System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

1.Reduced seed requirement
2.Reduced methane production
3.Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3
3) Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert?
(a) Lake Victoria
(b) Lake Faguibine
(c) Lake Oguta
(d) Lake Volta

Correct Answer :(B) Lake Faguibine
4) Consider the following pairs :

Wetland/Lake Location
1. Hokera Wetland - Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta - Tamil Nadu Lake

How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

Correct Answer :(B) Only two pairs
5) “Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :
(a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank.

Correct Answer :(A) Database created by coalition of research organisations
6) Consider the following pairs :

1."The Climate Group" is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and running them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative "EP100".
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the "Under2 Coalition".

Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2,3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer :(B) 1, 3 and 4 only
7) "If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys." Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ?
(a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
(b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
(c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

Correct Answer :(D) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
8) In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :

1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 ug/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2,3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2 only

Correct Answer :(B) 1 and 4 only
9) With reference to "Gucchi" sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(C) 1 and 2
10) With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(A) 1 and 3
11) Which of the following is not a bird ?
(a) Golden Mahseer
(b) Indian Nightjar
(c) Spoonbill
(d) White Ibis

Correct Answer :(A) Golden Mahseer
12) Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ?

1. Alfalfa
2. Amaranth
3. Chickpea
4. Clover
5. Purslane (Kulfa)
6. Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

Correct Answer :(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
13) "Biorock technology" is talked about in which one of the following situations ?
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas

Correct Answer :(A) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
14) The "Miyawaki method" is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

Correct Answer :(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
15) Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water. Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency

Correct Answer :(c) Central Ground Water. Authority
16) Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"?
(a) Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
(b) Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
(c) Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
(d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme

Correct Answer :(A) Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
17) Consider the following statements:

1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause a warming effect.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer :(D) Neither 1 nor 2
18) Consider the following statements:

1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) land 3
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer : (B) 2 only
19) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) l and 3
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer : (A) 1 and 2
20) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
(a) Ant
(b) Cockroach
(c) Crab
(d) Spider

Correct Answer :(A) Ant
21) Consider the following statements:

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer : (C) 1 and 2
22) Consider the following statements:

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are the cause(s) of acid rain?
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1,3 and 4

Correct Answer : (B) 2 and 4 only

UPSC Prelims Environment - 2021

1) Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World.
Statement 2: Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct.
(d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct

Correct Answer :(D) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
2) With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:

1.The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2.The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.

(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer :(B) 2 only
3) Consider the following statements:

1.Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2.Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
3.In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4.India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5.Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Correct Answer :(B) 3, 4 and 5
4) “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees”. This is the most likely description of
(a) coniferous forest
(b) dry deciduous forest
(c) mangrove forest
(d) tropical rain forest

Correct Answer :(D) tropical rain forest
5) Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?
(a) Congress grass
(b) Elephant grass
(c) Lemongrass
(d) Nut grass

Correct Answer :(c) Lemongrass
6) Consider the following kinds of organisms:

1.Copepods
2.Cyanobacteria
3.Diatoms
4.Foraminifera

Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4

Correct Answer :(B) 2 and 3
7) Consider the following statements:

1.Hedgehog 2.Marmot
3.Pangolin

To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/ protect its/their vulnerable parts?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1 and 3
8) With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’. Which of the following statements are correct?

1.It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
2.It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.
3.It is a legally binding international declaration.
4.It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.
5.India was one of the signatories at its inception.

Select the Correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1,2 and 4
(b) 1,3 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 5

Correct Answer :(A) 1,2 and 4
9) Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1.Brakes of motor vehicles
2.Engines of motor vehicles
3.Microwave stoves within homes
4.Power plants
5.Telephone lines

Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 Only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 Only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 Only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer :(B) 1, 2 and 4 Only/(D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
10) Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
(a) Catfish
(b) Octopus
(c) Oyster
(d) Pelican

Correct Answer : (C) Oyster
11) In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?
(a) Carbon cycle
(b) Nitrogen cycle
(c) Phosphorus Cycle
(d) Sulphur Cycle

Correct Answer : (C) Phosphorus Cycle
12) Which of the following are detritivores?

1.Earthworms
2. Jellyfish
3. Millipedes
4. Seahorses
5. Woodlice

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 Only
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 Only
(c) 1, 3 and 5 Only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer : (c) 1, 3 and 5 Only
13) The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for
(a) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
(b) enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.
(c) enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.
(d) assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.

Correct Answer : (A) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
14) Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

1.Cnidarians
2. Fungi
3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3
15) With reference to WaterCredit’, consider the following statements:

1.It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(c) 1 and 3 only
16) ‘R2 Code of Practices constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of
(a) environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry.
(b) ecological management of ‘wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention.
(c) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands.
(d) ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources

Correct Answer : (A) environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry.
17) Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?

1.They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(B) 2 and 3 only/(D) 1, 2 and 3
18) With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements

1.1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into Environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3
19) What is blue carbon?
(a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems.
(b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils.
(c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas.
(d) Carbon present in atmosphere

Correct Answer : (a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems.
20) In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?

1. Fern
2. Litchen
3. Moss
4. Mushroom

Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 3 and 4

UPSC Prelims Environment - 2020

1) Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?

1.Automobile exhaust
2.Tobacco smoke
3.Wood burning
4.Using varnished wooden furniture
5.Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1,2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1,3 and 4 only
(d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
2) With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

1.It is spread over two districts.
2.There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3.It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

Correct Answer :(C) 1 and 3 only
3) Consider the following statements:

1.36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2.CGWAwas formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3.India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer :(B) 2 and 3 only
4) Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans

Correct Answer :(C) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
5) If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Correct Answer :(A) A licence is required to cultivate that plant
6) According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?

1.Cassava
2.Damaged wheat grains
3.Groundnut seeds
4.Horse gram
5.Rotten potatoes
6.Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Correct Answer :(A) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
7) Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’?
(a) Long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.
(b) Requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
(c) Efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.
(d) Contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.

Correct Answer :(A) Long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.
8) With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1.The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2.The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3.An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4.Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1,3 and 4

Correct Answer :(A) 1 and 2 only
9) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?

1.Nagarhole National Park
2.Papikonda National Part
3.Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4.Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1,3 and 4 only
(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Correct Answer :(c) 1,3 and 4 only
10) With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are
(a) Birds
(b) Primates
(c) Reptiles
(d) Amphibians

Correct Answer :(A) Birds
11) Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhaper Wildlife Sanctuary

Correct Answer :(A) Kanha National Park
12) Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?

1.Construction of base road
2.Improvement of agricultural soil
3.Production of cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Correct Answer :(D) 1,2 and 3 only
13) Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

1.Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
2.Gangotri National Park
3.Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
4.Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Correct Answer :(A) 1 and 2 only
14) In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?

1.Copper slag
2.Cold mix asphalt technology
3.Geotextiles
4.Hot mix asphalt technology
5.Portlant cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 4 and 5 only
(d) 1 and 5 only

Correct Answer :(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
15) Consider the following statements:

1.Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2.Coal-fired power plants release Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3.High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3
16) What is the use of biocharin farming?

1.Biocharcan be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
2.When biocharis a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
3.When biocharis a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims Environment - 2019

1) Consider the following statements:

1.Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
2.Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3.One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(A) 1 only
2) In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?
(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions
(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d) Reducing the global warming

Correct Answer :(D) Reducing the global warming
3) In the context of which one of the following arc the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?
(a) Extraction of rare earth elements
(b) Natural gas extraction technologies
(c) Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
(d) Waste-to-energy technologies

Correct Answer :(d) Waste-to-energy technologies
4) Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
(a) Neyyar, ldl Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Correct Answer :(A) Neyyar, ldl Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
5) Consider the following statements:

1.Some species of turtles are herbivores.
2.Some species of fish are herbivores.
3.Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
4.Some species of snakes viviparous.

Which of the statements given above arc correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
6) Consider the following statements:

1.Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
2.Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
3.Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

Which of the pairs given correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(C) 1 and 3
7) Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads' that are released into environment?
(a)They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

Correct Answer :(A) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
8) Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of
(a)anti-malarial drug
(b) biodiesel
(c) pulp for paper industry
(d) textile fibre

Correct Answer :(D) textile fibre
9) Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’?

1.Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2.Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3.Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3
10) Consider the following:

1.Carbon monoxide
2.Methane
3.Ozone
4.Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2,3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
11) In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
(a) pesticides in agriculture
(b) preservatives in processed foods
(c) fruit-ripening agents
(d) moisturising agents in cosmetics

Correct Answer :(A) pesticides in agriculture
12) Consider the following:

1.Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(C) 3 only
13) Consider the following:

1.Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
2.Cattle release ammonia into environment.
3.Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds environment.

Which of the statements given above is/arc correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3
14) What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits
(b) Tropical rain forests
(c) Underground cave systems
(d) Water reservoirs

Correct Answer :(D) Water reservoirs
15) In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

Correct Answer :(C) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
16) Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?
(a) Manas National Park
(b) Namdapha National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Valley of Flowers National Park

Correct Answer :(D) Valley of Flowers National Park

UPSC Prelims Environment - 2018

1) In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland

Correct Answer :(A) Arunachal Pradesh
2) Consider the following:

1.The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2.For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3.Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(A) 1 and 2 only
2) Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

1.Decreased salinity in the river
2.Pollution of groundwater
3.Lowering of the water-table

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(B) 2 and 3 only
4) Consider the following:

1.Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters.
2.More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
3.Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3
5) "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meterological Organisation

Correct Answer :(C) The UNFCCC Secretariat
6) Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?
(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(c) Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Correct Answer :(A) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
7) With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assume significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?

1.Avoiding monoculture practices
2.Adopting minimum tillage
3.Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4.Using crop residues to cover soil surface
5.Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Correct Answer :(C) 2, 4 and 5
8) Which of the following leaf modifications occur (s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

1.Hard and waxy leaves
2.Tiny leaves
3.Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3
9) How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1.The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2.The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer :(B) 2 only
10) Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

1.Aral Sea
2.Black Sea
3.Lake Baikal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer :(A) 1 only