UPSC 2020 Environment & Ecology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Corbett | Ranthambore | Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam | Sunderbans. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve has the largest Critical Tiger Habitat area among the listed reserves.

Question 2

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible. 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 4 only | 1, 3 and 4 only | 2, 3 and 4 only. Fertigation can help manage irrigation-water alkalinity, improve nutrient availability and reduce leaching by applying soluble nutrients through irrigation. Rock phosphate is not efficiently applied through fertigation because it is poorly soluble.

Question 3

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2 and 3 only | 3 only | 4 only | 1, 2, 3 and 4. Crop diversification, legume intensification and tensiometer-guided irrigation are eco-friendly practices. Vertical farming is not accepted in this UPSC answer set for Indian eco-friendly agriculture practices.

Question 4

What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop. 2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. 3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 and 2 only | 2 and 3 only | 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Zero tillage permits wheat sowing into previous crop residue without burning, supports direct seeding of rice, and helps soil carbon sequestration by reducing disturbance.

Question 5

If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. A licence is required to cultivate that plant. | Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances. | It is a Genetically Modified crop plant. | Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.. Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act lists specified plants whose cultivation/possession/sale is regulated; a licence is required for cultivation.

Question 6

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. Portland cement Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2 and 3 only | 2, 3 and 4 only | 4 and 5 only | 1 and 5 only. Copper slag, cold mix asphalt and geotextiles can reduce environmental impact/carbon footprint in rural roads compared with conventional hot mix asphalt and Portland cement-heavy methods.

Question 7

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:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 and 2 only | 2 and 3 only | 3 and 4 only | 1 and 4 only. Musk deer are Himalayan species; Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park are likely habitats. Kishanpur and Manas are not the most likely listed habitats.

Question 8

With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Birds | Primates | Reptiles | Amphibians. Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are birds.

Question 9

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.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2 and 3 only | 2 and 4 only | 1, 3 and 4 only | 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke and wood burning are major benzene exposure sources. Varnished furniture/polyurethane products are not accepted here as the main listed sources.

UPSC 2020 Environment & Ecology PYQs with Answers