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Daily-static-mcqs 17 Aug 2024

Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams-Environment & Ecology 17 Aug 2024

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Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams-Environment & Ecology

Q1:

Consider the following statements about the Kigali Agreement:

1. The agreement was adopted in Kigali, Rwanda and aims to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

2. HFCs are greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming.

3. The Kigali Agreement focuses on reducing plastic waste.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: Only Three

D: None

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Kigali Agreement was adopted in 2016 and entered into force in 2019. The Agreement aims to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs which are greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


HFCs are a type of hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that are used in a variety of applications including refrigeration, air conditioning and foam blowing. HFCs are very potent greenhouse gasses and they have a global warming potential that is thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


The Kigali Agreement does not focus on reducing plastic waste. The Agreement focuses on phasing down the production and consumption of HFCs which are greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.


 


Q2:

Mining activities can have various environmental impacts. Consider the following aspects related to mining and their potential effects on the environment:

1. Air pollution from dust and emissions during mining operations.

2. Acid mine drainage leading to water pollution.

3. Use of renewable energy in mining activities.

4. Implementation of reforestation programs to offset carbon emissions.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: Only Three

D: All four

Answer: D

Explanation:

Mining operations can generate significant amounts of dust and emissions, particularly from machinery, vehicles and blasting activities. These airborne particles can contribute to air pollution and have adverse effects on air quality in the surrounding areas. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common environmental issue associated with mining activities, especially in areas where sulfide minerals are present. When these minerals are exposed to air and water during mining, they can react to form acidic runoff that contaminates nearby water sources, causing water pollution and harming aquatic ecosystems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


The use of renewable energy sources in mining activities is an environmentally sustainable practice. Integrating solar, wind or other renewable energy technologies into mining operations can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, making the mining process more eco- friendly. Hence, statement 3 is correct.


Reforestation programs involve planting trees and restoring forests in areas affected by mining or other land disturbances. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, helping to offset carbon emissions and combat climate change. Hence, statement 4 is correct.


Q3:

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982. However, some countries, such as Iceland and Norway, continue to hunt whales for commercial purposes. Which of the following statements is correct?

1. It has no power to prevent countries from hunting whales for commercial purposes.

2. It can only issue recommendations to countries and these recommendations are not legally binding.

3. It has the power to impose sanctions on countries that violate the moratorium on commercial whaling.

4. It has the power to arrest and detain whaling vessels that are violating the moratorium.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only Two

C: Only Three

D: All four

Answer: B

Explanation:

The International Whaling Commission can only issue recommendations to countries, and these recommendations are not legally binding. This means that countries are free to ignore the recommendations of the IWC. Iceland and Norway have both ignored the recommendations of the IWC and continue to hunt whales for commercial purposes. The IWC has not been able to prevent these countries from hunting whales, as it does not have the power to impose sanctions or arrest and detain whaling vessels. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.


The IWC does not have the power to impose sanctions or arrest and detain whaling vessels. The IWC is a forum for countries to discuss whaling issues and to try to reach consensus on whale conservation measures. However, the IWC is not a powerful organization and it has been unable to prevent countries from hunting whales for commercial purposes. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are not correct.


Q4:

Consider the following pairs:

1. Manures: Organic matter derived from plant or animal sources used to improve soil fertility.

2. Permaculture:  A modern agricultural practice that relies solely on chemical fertilizers for crop production.

3. Tillage:  The process of planting crops without disturbing the soil.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A: Only one pair

B: Only two pairs

C: All three pairs

D: None of the pairs

Answer: A

Explanation:

Manures are organic matter derived from plant or animal sources that are used to improve soil fertility. They are a good source of nutrients for plants and help to improve the structure of the soil. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.


Permaculture is a system of agricultural and land use that mimics the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. It is a sustainable system that seeks to create a balance between people, plants and animals. Permaculture does not rely on chemical fertilizers and instead uses natural methods to improve soil fertility. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.


Tillage is the process of breaking up the soil to prepare it for planting. Tillage can be done by hand or with machinery. Tillage can help to improve the drainage of the soil and make it easier to plant crops. However, tillage can also damage the soil structure and reduce its ability to retain water and nutrients. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.


Q5:

Consider the following statements about Conservation Strategies:

1. Its aim is to protect and sustainably manage natural resources and biodiversity.

2. Conservation strategies are limited to only in-situ methods of conservation.

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

The conservation strategies aim to ensure that natural resources are used in a way that does not harm the environment or the biodiversity that depends on those resources. Conservation strategies also aim to protect biodiversity from threats such as habitat loss, pollution and invasive species. Hence, statement 1 is correct.


In-situ conservation refers to the protection of biodiversity in its natural habitat. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as establishing protected areas, managing land use and reducing pollution. Ex-situ conservation refers to the protection of biodiversity outside of its natural habitat. This can be done through methods such as zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.