Environment 2013 MCQs

Equatorial forests, also known as tropical rainforests, have several unique characteristics:

• Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy: Equatorial forests are known for their tall trees that grow close to each other, forming a dense, continuous canopy that allows little light to penetrate to the forest floor.
• Co-existence of a large number of species: Equatorial forests are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. They are considered the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on Earth, with many species co-existing in the same area.
• Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes: Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, using them for support but not for nutrients. Equatorial forests have a high abundance and diversity of epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, which thrive in the humid environment and on the branches of the tall trees.

The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in regions where warm and cold oceanic currents converge. These areas are known as mixing zones or upwelling zones. Here's why:

• When warm and cold currents meet, they create a mixing of water that brings nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface. This process is called upwelling.
• The upwelling of nutrient-rich water promotes the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain. Phytoplankton supports a large population of zooplankton, which in turn attracts fish and other higher trophic level organisms.
• The convergence of warm and cold currents also creates favorable conditions for the growth of certain types of fish and other marine life that thrive in specific temperature ranges.

Some examples of major fishing grounds located in areas where warm and cold currents meet include:

• The Grand Banks off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada (meeting of the cold Labrador Current and warm Gulf Stream)
• The coast of Peru and Chile (where the cold Humboldt Current meets warmer waters)
• The west coast of South Africa (confluence of the cold Benguela Current and warm Agulhas Current)

Therefore, the meeting of warm and cold oceanic currents creates ideal conditions for abundant marine life, making these regions the most important fishing grounds in the world.

Fishing

All three species - Gharial, Leatherback turtle, and Swamp deer - are considered endangered.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus):

• The Gharial is a critically endangered species of crocodilian found in the rivers of northern India and Nepal.
• Its population has declined drastically due to habitat loss, hunting, and entanglement in fishing nets.

Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea):

• The Leatherback turtle is the largest living turtle species and is classified as vulnerable globally.
• It faces threats such as habitat loss, poaching for its eggs and meat, and accidental capture in fishing gear.
• In India, the Leatherback turtle is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and along the coast of Tamil Nadu.

Swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii):

• Also known as Barasingha, the Swamp deer is a vulnerable species found in the Indian subcontinent.
• It inhabits wetlands and grasslands, and its population has declined due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock.

Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used primarily in areas with undulating or sloping terrain that are prone to soil erosion due to water runoff. The key features of areas where contour bunding is used include:

• Hilly or undulating terrain: Contour bunding is most effective in areas with gentle to moderate slopes, as it helps to reduce the velocity of water runoff and conserve soil moisture.
• Areas prone to soil erosion: Regions that experience high rainfall or have soils that are easily eroded benefit from contour bunding, as it helps to prevent soil loss and maintain soil fertility.
• Agricultural lands: Contour bunding is commonly used in agricultural fields to conserve soil and water, thereby improving crop productivity.

Desert margins liable to strong wind action: Contour bunding is not commonly used in desert areas prone to wind erosion, as it is primarily a method to control water erosion.

Low flat plains close to stream courses, liable to flooding: Contour bunding is not suitable for low-lying, flat plains prone to flooding, as it is designed for sloping lands.

Scrublands, liable to the spread of weed growth: The presence of scrublands or the potential for weed growth is not a determining factor for the use of contour bunding.

The productivity of an ecosystem refers to the rate at which energy is converted into biomass per unit area per unit time. Here is the correct sequence:

Mangroves: Mangrove forests are highly productive ecosystems due to their nutrient-rich environment, high plant biomass, and rapid recycling of nutrients. They have a net primary productivity of about 2500 gC/m²/yr.

Grasslands: Grasslands have a high net primary productivity, ranging from 600 to 3000 gC/m²/yr, depending on the climate and grassland type (e.g., temperate or tropical).

Lakes: The productivity of lakes varies greatly depending on their nutrient content, size, and depth. On average, lakes have a net primary productivity of about 100-1500 gC/m²/yr.

Oceans: Although oceans cover a vast area, they have a relatively low net primary productivity due to the limited availability of nutrients in many regions. The average oceanic net primary productivity is about 125 gC/m²/yr, but it can be much higher in coastal areas and upwelling zones.

In grasslands, trees do not replace grasses as part of an ecological succession primarily due to water limitations and periodic fires.

Water limitations: Grasslands typically occur in regions with limited and sporadic rainfall, which is sufficient for grasses but not enough to support the growth of trees. Grasses have shallow root systems and can efficiently utilize the available moisture, while trees require more consistent and abundant water supply for their growth and survival.

Periodic fires: Grasslands are often subject to periodic fires, either naturally occurring or intentionally set by humans. These fires play a crucial role in maintaining the grassland ecosystem by preventing the establishment of trees and shrubs. Grasses have evolved to tolerate and recover quickly from fires, while trees are more susceptible to damage and mortality from fires.

Insects and fungi and limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients are not the primary factors limiting tree growth in grasslands. In fact, grasslands often have abundant sunlight due to the lack of tree canopy, and the nutrient content of grassland soils can vary widely depending on the region and climate.

Therefore, water limitations and periodic fires are the main factors preventing trees from replacing grasses in grassland ecosystems as part of an ecological succession.

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve - Garo Hills: This pair is correctly matched. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India. It was designated as a biosphere reserve in 2009 and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the rare red panda and the Hoolock gibbon.

Logtak (Loktak) Lake - Barail Range: This pair is incorrectly matched. Loktak Lake is located in Manipur, India, but it is not associated with any specific mountain range. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is known for its floating islands, called "phumdis," which are made of vegetation, soil, and organic matter.

Namdapha National Park - Dafla Hills: This pair is incorrectly matched. Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh, India, but it is not located in the Dafla Hills. Instead, it is situated in the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered Hoolock gibbon, tigers, and leopards. The Dafla Hills are located in the neighboring state of Assam.

Arsenic, Fluoride, and Uranium can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India.

• Arsenic: Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a significant problem in several states of India, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to various health issues, such as skin lesions, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Fluoride: Fluoride is another common pollutant found in drinking water in many parts of India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. While low levels of fluoride are beneficial for dental health, excessive fluoride intake can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis.
• Uranium: Uranium contamination in groundwater has been reported in some regions of India, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Exposure to high levels of uranium can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of cancer.

Sorbitol and Formaldehyde are not typically found as pollutants in drinking water in India.

Star tortoise:

• Native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
• Found in dry, semi-arid habitats, including scrub forests, grasslands, and rocky areas
• Adapted to hot, dry conditions and can survive without water for extended periods

Monitor lizard:

• Two species found in India:
  • Common Indian monitor: Widespread in India, found in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and agricultural areas
  • Desert monitor: Found in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, India, and parts of Pakistan
• Monitor lizards are excellent climbers and swimmers, and they prey on a variety of animals, including insects, reptiles, and small mammals

Pygmy hog:

• Endemic to India, primarily found in the tall, wet grasslands of Assam
• Critically endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation
• The smallest wild pig species in the world, with adults weighing only 6-9 kg
• Relies on tall grasslands for shelter, food, and breeding

Spider monkey:

• Found in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Brazil
• Inhabit tropical rainforests and prefer undisturbed, mature forests
• Known for their long, prehensile tails, which they use for grasping and balancing while moving through the canopy
• Not naturally found in India or any other part of Asia

Ecotone:

• An ecotone is a transitional area between two adjacent ecological communities or ecosystems, such as the zone between a forest and a grassland.
• While it does describe a physical space, it does not necessarily include the functional role of organisms within that space.

Ecological niche:

• An ecological niche refers to the specific role an organism plays in its ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its utilization of resources.
• It encompasses not only the physical space occupied by the organism (its habitat) but also its functional role within the community.

Habitat:

• A habitat is the natural environment or physical space in which an organism lives, including the biotic and abiotic factors that support its survival.
• However, the term "habitat" does not explicitly include the organism's functional role within the community.

Home range:

• The home range is the area in which an animal lives and travels during its normal activities, such as foraging, mating, and caring for young.
• Like habitat, it describes the physical space used by an organism but does not encompass its functional role.

The lion-tailed macaque is a unique primate species found only in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. The Western Ghats span six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. However, the lion-tailed macaque's distribution is limited to the southern part of the Western Ghats, specifically in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu:

• Anaimalai Hills: The Anaimalai Tiger Reserve and its surrounding areas support a significant population of lion-tailed macaques.
• Nilgiris: The Nilgiri Hills, particularly the Silent Valley National Park and Mukurthi National Park, are home to these macaques.
• Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: This reserve in southern Tamil Nadu also hosts a population of lion-tailed macaques.

Kerala:

• Silent Valley National Park: This park in the Palakkad district is a crucial habitat for lion-tailed macaques.
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Thiruvananthapuram district, this sanctuary supports a small population of these macaques.
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Peppara is another important habitat for lion-tailed macaques in Kerala.

Karnataka:

• Kudremukh National Park: This park in the Chikkamagaluru district is home to a significant population of lion-tailed macaques.
• Bhadra Tiger Reserve: Located in the Chikkamagaluru and Shimoga districts, Bhadra Reserve supports lion-tailed macaques.
• Agumbe Rainforest: This rainforest in the Shimoga district is another crucial habitat for these macaques.

The lion-tailed macaque is not found naturally in any other state, including Andhra Pradesh. Its highly specific habitat requirements, coupled with habitat loss and fragmentation, have led to its limited distribution and endangered status. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations and their habitats in these three states.

Corbett National Park and the Ramganga River:

• Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, India.
• The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is India's first national park.
• The Ramganga River, a tributary of the Ganges, flows through the park, providing a crucial water source for the wildlife.
• The river also creates a unique riverine ecosystem within the park, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Kaziranga National Park and the Brahmaputra River:

• Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
• The park is famous for its conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers in Asia, flows along the northern boundary of the park.
• The river's annual flooding helps maintain the park's unique ecosystem, which consists of alluvial grasslands, tropical moist broadleaf forests, and numerous water bodies.

Silent Valley National Park and the Kunthi River:

• Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India.
• The park is known for its undisturbed tropical evergreen forest and its rich biodiversity.
• The Kunthi River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River (also known as the Nila River), flows through the park.
• The river plays a vital role in the ecosystem of the park, supporting numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.

It's important to note that while the Manas River does not flow through Kaziranga National Park, it does flow through the nearby Manas National Park, which is also located in Assam. Similarly, while the Kaveri River does not flow through Silent Valley National Park, it originates in the nearby Brahmagiri Hills of Karnataka.

A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.

• This statement is correct. A food chain represents the linear sequence of organisms through which energy and nutrients pass in an ecosystem, starting from producers (usually plants) and moving up through various consumer levels (herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers).

Food chains are found within the populations of a species.

• This statement is incorrect. Food chains exist between different species in an ecosystem, not within populations of the same species. A population consists of individuals of the same species living in a particular area at a given time.

A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.

• This statement is incorrect. A food chain does not typically illustrate the numbers or quantities of each organism consumed by others. Instead, it focuses on the order or sequence in which energy and nutrients are transferred from one trophic level to another. The concept of energy flow and biomass transfer between trophic levels is better represented by ecological pyramids (pyramids of numbers, biomass, or energy).

Beryllium:

• Beryllium is a lightweight metal used in computer motherboards and connectors due to its excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties.
• When computers are improperly disposed of, beryllium can be released into the environment, posing health risks such as lung damage and berylliosis if inhaled.

Cadmium:

• Cadmium is used in computer batteries, especially in older nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, and in printed circuit boards.
• Cadmium is toxic and can accumulate in the environment when e-waste is not properly managed, causing harm to human health and ecosystems.

Chromium:

• Chromium, particularly hexavalent chromium, is used as a corrosion protector in computer housings and as a hardener for steel parts.
• Improper disposal of computers can lead to chromium leaching into the environment, which can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even cancer in humans.

Mercury:

• Mercury is used in lighting displays (e.g., flat-screen monitors) and computer switches.
• When e-waste is not properly handled, mercury can be released into the environment, where it can bioaccumulate in ecosystems and cause neurological and developmental issues in humans and wildlife.

Lead:

• Lead is commonly found in computer monitors (CRTs), printed circuit boards, and batteries.
• Improper disposal of lead-containing e-waste can contaminate soil and water, leading to lead poisoning, which affects the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system.
• Now, let's discuss why heptachlor and plutonium are not typically associated with computers and e-waste:

Heptachlor:

• Heptachlor is a pesticide that was widely used in the past for agricultural purposes and termite control.
• It is not commonly used in the manufacturing of computers or their components.

Plutonium:

• Plutonium is a radioactive element that is primarily used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
• It is not used in the production of computers or their parts.

In summary, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead are substances that can be released into the environment as e-waste due to improper disposal of computers and their components. These substances pose significant health and environmental risks when not handled properly. Heptachlor and plutonium, while dangerous in their own right, are not typically associated with computers or e-waste.

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was enacted to recognize and vest forest rights in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in forests for generations. The Act aims to address the historical injustice done to these communities and provide them with a framework for securing their rights to forest land and resources.

Under the Act, the process of determining and granting forest rights begins at the grassroots level with the Gram Sabha. Why the Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate this process:

Decentralization of power:

• The Forest Rights Act emphasizes the decentralization of power and the active participation of local communities in the recognition and management of forest rights.
• The Gram Sabha, being a local body comprising all adult members of a village, is best suited to identify and understand the forest rights claims of the community.

Local knowledge and expertise:

• The Gram Sabha members have intimate knowledge of the local forest area, its resources, and the traditional practices of the forest-dwelling communities.
• This knowledge is crucial in determining the legitimacy of forest rights claims and ensuring that the rights are granted to the rightful claimants.

Ensuring transparency and accountability:

• By empowering the Gram Sabha to initiate and conduct the process of determining forest rights, the Act ensures transparency and accountability at the local level.
• The Gram Sabha is responsible for receiving claims, verifying their authenticity, and passing resolutions on the claims after providing a fair opportunity to all interested parties.

Safeguarding community interests:

• The Gram Sabha, as a representative body of the village community, is expected to act in the best interests of the forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• It serves as a platform for these communities to assert their rights and have a say in the decision-making process.

The State Forest Department is responsible for providing necessary assistance to the Gram Sabha in the recognition and vesting of forest rights.

The District Collector/Deputy Commissioner and the Sub-Divisional Level Committee are involved in the appellate process and in considering and approving the resolutions passed by the Gram Sabha.

The Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer may assist in the process by providing records and evidence related to forest rights claims.

However, the primary authority to initiate and carry out the process of determining forest rights lies with the Gram Sabha, as per the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This bottom-up approach ensures that the rights recognition process is participatory, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs and concerns of the forest-dwelling communities.