Environment – GK Questions

Ans: A

Explanation:The Western Ghats are renowned for their exceptionally high biodiversity and endemism, making them one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots not only in India but globally. They are home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. While other regions like the Himalayas also possess rich biodiversity, the term “Biodiversity Hotspot” is most commonly and accurately associated with the Western Ghats in the context of India’s biodiversity.
Correct_Option:A

Ans: D

Explanation:The Earth’s atmosphere is heated from below primarily by solar radiation absorbed by the Earth’s surface, which then radiates infrared energy that warms the air. Conduction and convection also play a role in transferring heat from the surface upwards. While the Earth’s interior does generate heat, its contribution to the temperature of the atmosphere near the surface is negligible compared to solar heating.
Correct_Option:D

Ans: A

Explanation:India is recognized as one of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries, ranking 12th globally. This designation highlights the immense variety of life found within its geographical boundaries.
Correct_Option:A

Ans: C

Explanation:Erythrina is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae, commonly known as coral trees due to their bright red or orange flowers.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: B

Explanation:Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas because it has a much higher affinity for hemoglobin (Hb) than oxygen (O2). When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). This binding prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues, leading to oxygen deprivation and cellular damage. This is why CO is considered a dangerous pollutant and poison. Option A is incorrect because while CO does react with O2, this is not the primary reason for its toxicity. Options C and D describe some effects of CO poisoning, but the fundamental reason for its toxicity lies in its interaction with hemoglobin.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: B

Explanation:Interspecific competition occurs when two or more species require the same limited resources. This competition often leads to the partitioning of resources, meaning each species evolves to use a slightly different part of the available niche. This specialization reduces direct competition and results in each species occupying a smaller, more defined portion of the overall potential niche.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: C

Explanation:Precipitation is the term used to describe all forms of water that fall from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Calcification refers to the process of hardening by deposition of calcium salts. Fixation usually refers to the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Accumulation is the process of gathering or collecting something.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: C

Explanation:Pedology is the scientific study of soils. It examines the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, as well as their formation, classification, and distribution.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: A

Explanation: Trees and grass cover both help in binding the soil with their roots, reducing the impact of rain and wind, thus preventing soil erosion. Manure improves soil fertility, water is essential for plant growth but doesn’t directly prevent erosion, and sand can sometimes contribute to erosion depending on its particle size and the surrounding soil.
Correct_Option:A

Ans: B

Explanation:Geothermal energy relies on heat from the Earth’s interior. Ladakh is known for its high altitude and volcanic/tectonic activity, which are conducive to geothermal resources. The Konkan Coast, Aravalli Hills, and Narmada Valley are not as prominently recognized for significant geothermal potential compared to Ladakh.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: C

Explanation:Acclimatization is the process by which an organism gradually adjusts to changes in its environment over time. This can involve physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes that help the organism survive and thrive in the new conditions. Selection refers to the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over generations. Introduction refers to the intentional or unintentional movement of a species to a new geographic area. Quarantine is the isolation of an individual or group to prevent the spread of disease.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: B

Explanation:Bamboo is a monocarpic plant, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime. After flowering, the entire bamboo plant dies. Lotus, Chrysanthemum, and Butea are not monocarpic plants and typically flower multiple times.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: B

Explanation:LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is primarily a mixture of propane and butane. These are hydrocarbons with short carbon chains that are gases at atmospheric pressure and temperature but can be liquefied under moderate pressure, making them convenient for storage and transportation. Methane is the primary component of natural gas, ethane is also a component of natural gas but not a primary component of LPG. Hexane is a heavier hydrocarbon.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: C

Explanation:Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material present in a body of water. A high BOD level signifies that there is a large amount of organic pollution in the water, which in turn supports a high population of microorganisms that consume oxygen during decomposition. Therefore, high BOD indicates intense microbial pollution.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: D

Explanation:The carrying capacity of a population is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely given the available resources and services of that ecosystem. This is fundamentally limited by the availability of resources such as food, water, habitat, and other necessities, as well as factors like waste accumulation and disease. Population growth rate, natality, and mortality are all influenced by carrying capacity but are not the primary determinants of it.
Correct_Option:D

Ans: B

Explanation:Competition occurs when two or more organisms require the same limited resource, resulting in negative effects for all involved. Commensalism is when one benefits and the other is unaffected. Predation is when one organism hunts and kills another for food. Amensalism is when one organism is harmed and the other is unaffected.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: C

Explanation:Dendrology is the botanical study of woody plants, particularly trees and shrubs.
Correct_Option:C

Ans: A

Explanation:Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, typically ranging from 50% to 90%, along with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane. Air is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen. Water is H₂O. Biodiesel is a fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
Correct_Option:A

Ans: B

Explanation:Coal is the most important source of energy in India, primarily used for electricity generation. While petroleum is crucial for transportation and industry, and nuclear and hydro-electricity contribute, coal’s share in the overall energy mix is the largest.
Correct_Option:B

Ans: B

Explanation:Salinization specifically refers to the process by which water-soluble mineral solutes (salts) accumulate in the soil. This can happen naturally or as a result of human activities, leading to reduced soil fertility and agricultural productivity. While salts are also present in water, “salinization” is the term used to describe their accumulation in soil.
Correct_Option:B