UPSC 2022 Environment & Ecology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1, 2 and 3 | 2 and 4 only | 4 only | 1, 3 and 4. Acid rain is mainly caused by nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, which form nitric and sulphuric acids. Carbon monoxide and ozone are not primary acid rain precursors.

Question 2

Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to: 1. assess the age of a plant or animal. 2. distinguish among species that look alike. 3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 only | 3 only | 1 and 2 | 2 and 3. DNA barcoding helps distinguish look-alike species and identify unwanted animal/plant materials in processed foods. It does not assess the age of an organism.

Question 3

Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Ant | Cockroach | Crab | Spider. Certain ants, such as leaf-cutter ants, cultivate fungi as food.

Question 4

The "Miyawaki method" is well known for the:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas | Development of gardens using genetically modified flora | Creation of mini forests in urban areas | Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces. The Miyawaki method creates dense native mini-forests, often in urban spaces.

Question 5

Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants? 1. Alfalfa 2. Amaranth 3. Chickpea 4. Clover 5. Purslane (Kulfa) 6. Spinach Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 3 and 4 only | 1, 3, 5 and 6 only | 2, 4, 5 and 6 only | 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Alfalfa, chickpea and clover are leguminous nitrogen-fixing plants. Amaranth, purslane and spinach are not nitrogen-fixing legumes.

Question 6

Which of the following is not a bird?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Golden Mahseer | Indian Nightjar | Spoonbill | White Ibis. Golden Mahseer is a fish. Indian nightjar, spoonbill and white ibis are birds.

UPSC 2022 Environment & Ecology PYQs with Answers