UPSC (Prelims) 2020 Environment & Ecology Previous Year Questions

According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?

1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1, 2 and 5 only
   (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
   (c) 2, 3, 4 and 6 only
   (d) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
   (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
   (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Consider the following statements:

1. Biochar can be used as part of the growing medium in urban and peri-urban agriculture.
2. Biochar can resist degradation in soil for more than a thousand years.
3. Biochar can alter the soil chemistry and water retention capacity of soils.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 2 only
   (c) 1 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:

1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when 'bud chip settlings' are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts are better options than large setts.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using micro-propagation propagules prepared from tissue culture.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 3 and 4 only
   (c) 2 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

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:
   (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
   (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
   (c) 4 and 5 only
   (d) 1, 3 and 5 only

With reference to the Indian Ocean, what are the advantages of irrigation in agriculture?
(a) Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
(b) Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
(c) Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
(d) Reduction in the detachment of topsoil by the water is possible.

Consider the following statements:

1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to India's biodiversity, consider the following statements:

1. Bioluminescence is the emission of light by some organisms.
2. Biopiracy is the unauthorized use of biological resources.
3. Bioprospecting is the process of discovering and commercializing new products based on biological resources.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
(d) Such a plant is cultivated by the farmers and is allowed for export.

With reference to India's Desert National Park, consider the following statements:

1. It is spread over two districts.
2. Only some areas of the Park are protected but not all.
3. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1 and 2 only
   (d) None of the above is correct

The crop is submerged in nature. A hard seed coat is a feature of the crop. It requires at least 100 mm of rainfall for 50 to 100 days continuously. Which crop is being referred to in this crop?
(a) Lentil
(b) Sugarcane
(c) Pearl millet
(d) Rice

Consider the following statements:

1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to India's polity, consider the following statements:

1. 30% of India's districts are classified as 'overexploited' or 'critical' by the Central Ground Water Authority.
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 only
   (c) Both 1 and 2
   (d) Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon Frogmouth, Coppersmith Barbet, Gray-chinned Minivet and White-throated Redstart are:
(a) Birds
(b) Primates
(c) Reptiles
(d) Amphibians

Consider the following statements:

1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. High content of silica is found in coal-fired power station's emissions.
3. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following are the reasons/causes for exposure to pollution?

1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoking
3. Wood burning
4. Using products made of polyethylene
5. Using varnished wooden furniture
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements:

1. In the last decade, the Coastal Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act.
2. CGWA is the Central Government Water Authority.
3. 30% of India's districts are classified as 'overexploited' or 'critical' by the Central Ground Water Authority.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 2 only
   (d) 1 and 3 only

Which of the following are the most likely places where the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin is found in its natural habitat?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Bhitarkanika mangroves
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sundarbans
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 3 and 4 only
   (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:

1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when 'bud chip settlings' are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts are better options than large setts.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using micro-propagation propagules prepared from tissue culture.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 3 and 4 only
   (c) 2 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 3 and 4 only