UPSC 2023 Environment & Ecology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

'Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna | Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues | Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants | Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population. Microsatellite DNA markers are used in population genetics and phylogenetic/evolutionary relationship studies among fauna and other organisms.

Question 2

'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go | Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat | Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals | Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies. Aerial metagenomics means collecting and analysing environmental DNA from air samples in a habitat.

Question 3

Consider the following activities: 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime 3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only one | Only two | All three | None. Enhanced rock weathering, ocean alkalinity enhancement and mineral/geological storage of CO2 in carbonated waters are all discussed carbon capture/sequestration approaches.

Question 4

'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes | Converting crop residues into packing material | Producing biodegradable plastics | Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass. The Wolbachia method introduces Wolbachia bacteria into mosquitoes to reduce transmission of dengue and other viral diseases.

Question 5

With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements: 1. None of them uses seawater. 2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district. 3. None of them is privately owned. How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Only one | Only two | All three | None. Coal thermal plants in India may use seawater, may be located in water-stressed districts, and may be privately owned. None of the negative statements is correct.

Question 6

Consider the following 1. Aerosols 2. Foam agents 3. Fire retardants 4. Lubricants In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only one | Only two | Only three | All four. Hydrofluorocarbons have been used in aerosols, foam blowing agents and fire extinguishing/retardant applications, but not normally as lubricants in this list.

Question 7

Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Fishing cat | Orangutan | Otter | Sloth bear. Orangutans are known to fashion and use sticks as tools to extract insects or food from holes.

Question 8

Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only one | Only two | All three | None. Extremophile microorganisms can grow above the boiling point under pressure, below freezing, and in very acidic conditions below pH 3.

Question 9

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Only one | Only two | All three | None. Indian squirrels usually build nests in trees rather than ground burrows. They may cache food and are omnivorous, so two statements are correct.

Question 10

Consider the following statements: 1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties. 2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties. 3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties. 4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Only one | Only two | Only three | All four. Different mushrooms are known for medicinal, psychoactive, insecticidal/toxic, and bioluminescent properties. All four statements are correct.

UPSC 2023 Environment & Ecology PYQs with Answers