UPSC 2016 Environment & Ecology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. UN-REDD+ can support biodiversity protection, forest ecosystem resilience and poverty reduction when properly designed and implemented with safeguards and community benefits.

Question 2

With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tree species found in part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. Red Sanders is a tree species endemic to parts of southern India, especially the Eastern Ghats. It is not a major tree of tropical rainforest areas.

Question 3

With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. TEEB is a UNEP-hosted global initiative focused on making the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystem services visible to decision-makers. It is not hosted by IMF and WEF.

Question 4

Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Andaman Islands | Anaimalai Forests | Maikala Hills | Tropical rain forests of northeast. The tall banana species with orange pulp, Musa indandamanensis, was discovered in the Andaman Islands.

Question 5

What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Kharai camels of Kachchh can swim in seawater and feed on mangroves. They are domesticated/herded by local communities, so statement 3 is incorrect.

Question 6

'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. waste management technology | wireless communication technology | solar power production technology | water conservation technology. Project Loon was Google's balloon-based wireless communication project to provide internet connectivity.

Question 7

The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 and 3 only | 2 only | 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. GIAHS aims to identify and safeguard traditional, eco-friendly agricultural systems, landscapes, biodiversity and local knowledge. It is not primarily a modernization/productivity programme or a GI-tag scheme.

Question 8

Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms | Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil | Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields | It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops. Neem coating slows urea dissolution and nitrogen release, reducing losses through leaching/volatilization and improving nitrogen-use efficiency.

Question 9

Which of the following are the key features of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)? 1. River basin is the unit of planning and management. 2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level. 3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 and 2 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. NGRBA used the river basin as the planning/management unit and led national-level Ganga conservation efforts. It was chaired by the Prime Minister, not by a rotating Chief Minister.

UPSC 2016 Environment & Ecology PYQs with Answers