Environment UPSC PYQ 2010

Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to the other three?

A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in Eastern Pacific ocean. 2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following: 1. Oxides of Hydrogen 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?

Consider the following statements: 1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation. 2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna. 3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat – Snake – Hawk. In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at

Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of bio-diesel in India? 1. Pongamia pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India. 2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content of which nearly half is oleic acid. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

As a result of their annual survey, the National Geographic Society and an international polling firm GlobeScan gave India top rank in Greendex 2009 score. What is this score?

What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating the global warming at present and in the immediate future ? 1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available. 2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development. 3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/reasons is this attributable? 1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane. 2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts ?

Consider the following statements : 1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions. 2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere : 1. Soot 2. Sulphur hexafluoride 3. Water vapour Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere ?

Consider the following statements: 1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas. 2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book. 3. A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?

Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol ?

India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention?

King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?

Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why ?

Consider the following pairs: Protected area — Well-known for 1. Bhitarkanika, Orissa — Salt Water Crocodile 2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard 3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolak Gibbon Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?