Previous Year Questions
UPSC 2021 Environment & Ecology PYQs with Answers
14 Environment & Ecology questions from the official UPSC 2021 Prelims paper, each with the verified answer key and an explanation.
1–14 of 14
Q1·Environment and Ecology·2021·Climate Change and Environmental Governance
Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
Q2·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
The term ACE2 is talked about in the context of
Q3·Environment and Ecology·2021·Pollution and Waste Management
Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of
Q4·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of
Q5·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
"Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees." This is the most likely description of
Q6·Environment and Ecology·2021·Climate Change and Environmental Governance
Consider the following pairs: (Historical place): (Well-known for) 1. Burzahom: Rock-cut shrines 2. Chandraketugarh: Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q7·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi 3. Protozoa Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q8·Environment and Ecology·2021·Climate Change and Environmental Governance
The Common Carbon Metric', supported by UNEP, has been developed for
Q9·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
Which of the following are detritivores? 1. Earthworms 2. Jellyfish 3. Millipedes 4. Seahorses 5. Woodlice Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q10·Environment and Ecology·2021·Climate Change and Environmental Governance
In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?
Q11·Environment and Ecology·2021·Animal Adaptations
Consider the following animals: 1. Hedgehog 2. Marmot 3. Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/ protect its/their vulnerable parts?
Q12·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? 1. Fern 2. Lichen 3. Moss 4. Mushroom Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q13·Environment and Ecology·2021·Ecology and Biodiversity
What is blue carbon?
Q14·Environment and Ecology·2021·Climate Change and Environmental Governance
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment. 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment. 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer Key: UPSC 2021 Environment & Ecology (14 questions)
1-B · 2-D · 3-B · 4-B · 5-D · 6-D · 7-D · 8-A · 9-C · 10-C · 11-D · 12-C · 13-A · 14-B
Official key: Union Public Service Commission →
Tip: attempt year-wise first, then subject-wise, under timed conditions.
All Environment & Ecology PYQs (2011–2026) →
Questions sourced from official UPSC papers; answer keys cross-verified.