Pre 2014

1. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

1. Potential energy is released to form free energy
2. Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored
3. Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water
4. Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

• Simple. Photosynthesis is the process of food making in plants using co2 and sunlight which also releases oxygen. So obviously energy is being stored in the form of food I. E free energy of sun covered into potential energy
• Anyway option 3 and 4 are the same. O2 uptake, co2 and water release. Obviously both the options can not be true.
• Option a and b are contradictory, one has to be true

2. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Sort of internal repeat.
• In the 1st question, we discussed photosynthesis leads to co2 being converted into food I. E, it takes out co2 from the carbon cycle not adds to it.
• Eliminate 3, now look at 1, volcanic action leads to release of co2, so2 etc.
• Eliminate 3, include 1

3. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 2 is easily true. Deforestation does lead to soil erosion even kids know that.
• 1 is clearly wrong. Terrace farming is used to stop soil erosion in mountains/ hilly areas.
• Include 2, exclude 1

4. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of

1. algae and bacteria
2. algae and fungi
3. bacteria and fungi
4. fungi and mosses

• Ridiculously easy, NCERT
• Covered In titbit

5. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

1. biosphere reserves
2. botanical gardens
3. national parks
4. wildlife sanctuaries

• Ridiculously easy
• Covered in titbit
• Biosphere reserve programme name itself is UNESCO Man and biosphere reserve.

6. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities, in those zones except agriculture.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. none

• Statement 2, all kind of activities except agriculture, sweeping statement, red flag, pause and think. Obviously agriculture is prohibited first. scientific research, tourism in buffer zone etc would be allowed
• Statement 1, it’s eco sensitive zone not wild life protection zone, so would be constituted under environment protection act not wild life protection act

7. Consider the following pairs

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Very difficult, just remember these locations in case one of the option is repeated
• Gumti is in Tripura
• Saramati is infact highest peak in Nagaland

8.

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Harike is easy. You must know it. Bhakhra nangal and other related dam projects
• Questions on keoladeo have been asked before. Chambal flows on rajasthan – M.P. border. Bharatpur is far away
• Kolleru has also been asked before, very famous, Krishna and Kaveri

9. Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kutch
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Sunderbans have mangroves not corals

10. Consider the following:

1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents

The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

Biology question. You either know it or don’t know it

11. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?

1. Crab
2. Mite
3. Scorpion
4. Spider

Biology, either know it or don’t know it Crab a crustacean

12. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

1. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
2. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
3. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
4. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Diatoms are like algae, would come first. Eliminate 2 and 3

Herrings eat crustaceans

This question btw has been asked before

13. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

14. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Ridiculously difficult

15. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

• 2nd statement. Increase in the population of crocodiles responsible for decline in the number of dolphins. Seriously!
• Eliminate 2, reach the answer

16. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:

1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
2. In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Statement 1, propane and butane only. Only sweeping, red flag, pause and think. Obviously wrong. Shale gas is natural gas so would contain methane also plus impurities
• 2nd statement – no shale resources, again wrong. Question was asked in mains 2013.

17. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

1. The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
2. The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
3. The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
4. It is a source of high quality biodiesel

It was very much in news as India produces maximum quantity of Guar gum and it’s prices fluctuated a lot

18. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statemenrs:

1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

• 1 is true. Name itself suggests
• In the last paper also, we disussed, cells produce dc
• Include 1, exclude 2

19. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 1 and 2 Seems correct.
• 3 also seems correct
• Risky approach but I can’t see any reason for any of the statement to be wrong as they are all general statements

20. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 3 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 4 only
4. 1,2, 3 and 4

All are easily correct

21. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• It’s like 19th question. Both seems correct
• Risky approach

22. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’.
2. It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
3. It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.
4. Both (a) and (b)

• Covered in titbit
• A is true
• Pure Funding organisations themselves don’t undertake scientific research on their own.
• A correct, b incorrect, answer reached
• C is incorrect, it’s not under OECD. Similar question in 2015 about green climate fund

23. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

1. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
2. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilo meters from the edge of the wetland
3. The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
4. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’

Simple if you had gone through ransar convention

24. With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Again you could answer it, if you had just gone through it
• Both the statements seem true but 1st is incorrect, it was formed way before signimg of Ramsar
• Risky approach, I told you

25. Consider the following international agreements:

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only,
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2. and 3

• Common sense
• Heritage – natural heritage sites

26. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4,

• 3rd and 4th statements are sweeping ones, red flag, pause, think, obviously incorrect
• 2 is common knowledge. Coral reefs affected by global warning
• You have the answer

27. Consider the following statements:

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• 1 is incorrect. Think. Animal welfare board under prevention of cruelty to animal act.
• 2 and 3 are common knowledge

28. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :

1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• All 3 seems correct but 1st is incorrect. It’s am NGO <it was in news for some reason that year. Was in current affair notes>
• Risky approach I told you

29. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’

1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only.
4. 1, 2 and 3

• This is in news every year
• It’s an initiative of wwf
• 2 and 3 are obviously true

30. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

1. Bhutia and Lepcha
2. Gond and Korku
3. lrula and Toda
4. Sahariya and Agariya

Ridiculously difficult