PYQP – Environment – Biodiversity

UPSC – CSE Prelims 2024

EASY

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

1. Consider the following plants:

1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean

How many of the above belong to the pea family?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans. (c)

Leguminosae

• The Fabaceae or Leguminosae, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, are a large and agriculturally important family of flowering plants.
• The family Fabaceae includes a number of plants that are common in agriculture including Glycine max (soybean), Phaseolus (beans), Pisum sativum (pea), Cicer arietinum (chickpeas or grams), Vicia faba (broad bean), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Ceratonia siliqua (carob), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice).

EASY

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

2. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Ans. (c)

Indian flying fox

• Also known as fruit bats, the nectar and fruit-eating flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is generally considered a vermin as they raid orchards.
• It had a similar official status under the Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 until it was put on the Schedule II list, entailing a higher degree of protection.
• As a keystone species causing seed dispersals of many plants in tropical systems, the flying fox has fascinated zoologists over the years.
• It survives only on fruits

CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST 2023

Flying fox bats for vigilance while day-roosting, finds study

https://epaper.thehindu.com/articleshare?articleurl=https%3A%2F%2Fepaper.thehindu.com%2Fccidist-ws%2Fth%2Fth_delhi%2Fissues%2F47535%2FOPS%2FGBUBK36UO.1%2BGFHBK37PG.1.html

EASY

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

3. Consider the following:

1. Cashew
2. Papaya
3. Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans. (a)

Cashew is native to South America

Papaya is native to Central America

Red Sanders (also known as Red Sandalwood) is native to Andhra Pradesh.

MEDIUM

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

4. The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are:

(a) Birds

(b) Fish

(c) Insects

(d) Reptiles

Ans. (c)

CURRENT AFFAIRS 22 October 2023

Periodical cicada emergence disrupts food webs

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/commonly-found-cicada-species-sheds-its-foreign-tag-to-embrace-an-indian-identity/article67087350.ece

MEDIUM

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

5. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?

(a) Fig

(b) Mahua

(c) Sandalwood

(d) Silk cotton

Ans. (a)

Fig wasp is the only insect that can pollinate fig tree. This relationship is a classic example of coevolution, where both species have evolved together to become mutually dependent.

MEDIUM

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

6. Consider the following:

1. Butterflies
2. Fish
3. Frogs

How many of the above have poisonous species among them?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans. (c)

The Monarch butterfly is poisonous to birds, but they are not dangerous to humans.

Species of puffer fish (the family Tetraodontidae) are the most poisonous in the world, and the second most poisonous vertebrate after the golden dart frog.

DIFFICULT

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

7. Consider the following:

1. Carabid beetles
2. Centipedes
3. Flies
4. Termites
5. Wasps

Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms ?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

Ans. (b)

Parasitoid

• In evolutionary ecology, a parasitoid is an organism that lives in close association with its host at the host’s expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host.
• Parasitoidism is one of six major evolutionary strategies within parasitism, distinguished by the fatal prognosis for the host, which makes the strategy close to predation.
• Parasitoids eventually kill the host they feed on, as opposed to parasites like fleas and ticks, which typically feed upon hosts without killing them.
• Parasitoids are found in a variety of taxa across the insect superorder.
• Most parasitoids are either wasps and bees (Hymenoptera) or flies (Diptera), although a few species of beetles, twisted wing insects, moths, and other insects have been identified as parasitoids.

DIFFICULT

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

8. Consider the following pairs:

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans. (d)

Indri

• The indri, also called the babakoto, is one of the largest living lemurs native to Madagascar.
• It is a diurnal tree-dweller, monogamous and lives in small family groups, moving through the canopy, and is herbivorous, feeding mainly on leaves but also seeds, fruits, and flowers.
• The groups are quite vocal, communicating with other groups by singing, roaring and other vocalisations.
• Besides humans, it is the only mammal found that can use rhythm.

 Elk

• The elk or wapiti, is the second largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia.

Bonobo

• The bonobo, also historically called the pygmy chimpanzee, are native to Congo region of Central America.

DIFFICULT

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

9. Consider the following statements:

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (a)

• Lions do not have a particular breeding season. Lions do not mate at a specific time of year, and the females are polyestrous, meaning they can come into heat multiple times a year.
• Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar because they have a one-piece hyoid bone, unlike lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, which have a two-piece hyoid bone that allows them to roar.
• Male leopards do proclaim their territory by scent marking, using methods such as spraying urine, clawing trees, and rubbing their cheeks against objects.

UPSC – CSE Prelims 2023

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

1. Consider the following statements:

Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’

1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
2. hunting is not allowed in such area
3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
4. People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (b)

Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest: This statement is correct. When an area is notified as a ‘Community Reserve’, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State or a designated authority becomes responsible for the management and governance of the reserve.

Hunting is not allowed in such area: This statement is correct. In a Community Reserve, hunting is strictly prohibited to protect and conserve wildlife.

People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce: This statement is incorrect. In a Community Reserve, the collection of non-timber forest produce by the local communities may be regulated or restricted to ensure sustainable use and conservation of resources. It is subject to the specific rules and regulations governing the Community Reserve.

People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices: This statement is incorrect. Traditional agricultural practices are generally not allowed within a Community Reserve. The primary focus of a Community Reserve is to conserve biodiversity and natural habitats, which may require restricting agricultural activities to protect the ecological integrity of the area.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

2. Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves

(b) Marakkanam Salt Pans

(c) Naupada Swamp

(d) Rann of Kutch

Ans: D

The Rann of Kutch is a large seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a unique ecosystem characterized by vast stretches of saline marshland that gets flooded during the monsoon season and dries up during the rest of the year. The Rann of Kutch was formed due to multiple instances of sea level fluctuations and geological processes over millions of years, resulting in the deposition of salts and minerals in the region.

The other options mentioned, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Marakkanam Salt Pans, and Naupada Swamp, are also wetland ecosystems but they do not exhibit the same characteristics of extensive marshland resulting from repeated falls in sea level like the Rann of Kutch.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

This statement is correct. Marsupials, a group of mammals characterized by carrying their young in a pouch, are not naturally found in India. They are primarily found in Australia and nearby regions.

Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

This statement is incorrect. While some marsupials, such as kangaroos and wallabies, are known to inhabit grassland habitats, they are not limited to montane grasslands. Marsupials can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even deserts. Additionally, their survival is not limited to areas without predators, as marsupials have evolved various adaptations to coexist with predators.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

4. ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?

(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature

(b) The United Nations Environment Programme

(c) The United Commission for Environment and Nations World Development

(d) The World Wide Fund for Nature

Answer: (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (ISSG), which develops the Global Invasive Species Database, belongs to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN is a global organization dedicated to conserving nature and promoting sustainable development. It provides a platform for governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts to collaborate on conservation efforts and develop strategies to address various environmental challenges.

The ISSG, as a specialist group within the IUCN, focuses specifically on invasive species and their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. It works to raise awareness, conduct research, and develop tools and resources related to invasive species management. The Global Invasive Species Database is one of its notable initiatives, providing valuable information on invasive species worldwide.

Therefore, the ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ belongs to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

5. Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Among the given fauna, two of them are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset:

Lion-tailed Macaque: Lion-tailed Macaques (Macaca silenus) are diurnal primates, which means they are active during the day and rest at night. They are not generally nocturnal or most active after sunset.

Malabar Civet: The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) is a nocturnal mammal found in the Western Ghats of India. It is primarily active during the night, making it nocturnal.

Sambar Deer: The Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer species found in various habitats across India. They are generally crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. While they may be active during the night, they are not strictly nocturnal.

Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is (b) Only two.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

6. Which of the following organisms perform a waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? 

(a) Butterflies

(b) Dragonflies

(c) Honeybees

(d) Wasps

Answer: (c) Honeybees.

Honeybees are known to perform a waggle dance as a means of communication within their colony. This dance is performed by worker bees to indicate the direction and distance to a source of food, such as nectar or pollen. The waggle dance involves the bee moving in a figure-eight pattern while waggling its abdomen and producing buzzing sounds. By observing the direction and intensity of the waggle dance, other worker bees can determine the location of the food source and navigate to it. This behavior is a remarkable example of how honeybees communicate and share information within their colony.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade1702

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

7. Consider the following statements:

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2. Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4. Some mushrooms have boilie- nascent properties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (d) All four.

Some mushrooms have medicinal properties: Certain mushrooms possess bioactive compounds that exhibit medicinal properties. For example, species like Rishi (Ganoderma lyceum) and Turkey Tail (Teammates versicolor) have been traditionally used for their potential health benefits.

Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties: Certain mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms are often referred to as “magic mushrooms” or “psilocybin mushrooms.”

Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties: Certain species of mushrooms contain natural insecticidal compounds that can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides. For example, the entomopathogenic fungus Beaveries bassinet is used as a biocontrol agent against insect pests.

Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties: There are certain species of mushrooms, such as the Jack-O’-Lantern mushroom (Omphalos olearius), that have bioluminescent properties. They emit a faint greenish glow in the dark due to the presence of luciferin-luciferase reaction.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

8. 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?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (a)

Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian squirrels, such as the Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus spp.), do not build nests by making burrows in the ground. They usually build nests called dreys in tree branches or tree hollows.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Squirrels do not typically store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. They often create small caches in various locations, such as tree hollows or crevices, to store their food for later consumption.

Statement 3 is correct: Indian squirrels, including the Indian palm squirrel, are primarily herbivorous and feed on a diet consisting mainly of plant material such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and tree bark.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) All three.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

9. 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 a highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (c) All three.

Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures above the boiling point of water. These organisms are known as thermophiles and can withstand and thrive in extreme heat, such as hot springs or deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures below the freezing point of water. These organisms are known as psychrophiles or cryophiles and can survive and reproduce in extremely cold conditions, such as glaciers or Arctic regions.

Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environments with a pH below 3. These organisms are known as acidophiles and have adapted to acidic conditions, such as acid mine drainage or volcanic areas.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

10. 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?

(a) Fishing cat

(b) Orangutan

(c) Otter

(d) Sloth bear

Answer: (b) Orangutan

Orangutans are known to use tools in their natural behavior, including making tools with sticks to scrape insects from holes in trees or logs of wood. They exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities and tool use in their foraging activities. This behavior is observed in both wild and captive orangutans and is a demonstration of their intelligence and adaptability.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

11. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.

Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of rain forests cause tropical dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I but is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer : (d)

Explanation:

Statement-I: Contrary to what many might expect, the soil in tropical rainforests is generally not rich in nutrients. This is because while these forests are lush and support a great diversity of plant life, the high rainfall typical of these ecosystems can leach nutrients from the soil, making it relatively poor in nutrients.

Statement-II: This statement is correct. The high temperature and moisture of tropical rainforests do indeed promote the rapid decomposition of dead organic matter. This process returns nutrients quickly to the ecosystem, where they are rapidly taken up by plants and other organisms, contributing to the richness and diversity of life in these forests.

Therefore, Answer is (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

ENVIRONMENT – BIODIVERSITY

12. Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

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

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol: This statement is correct. The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) play a crucial role in implementing the Nagoya Protocol at the local level. They are responsible for promoting conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits derived from biological resources within their jurisdiction.