Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – A. Reduction of Greenhouse gas
Explanation-The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty signed in 1997 with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating global climate change. It sets binding obligations for industrialized countries to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The Kyoto Protocol established specific targets and mechanisms for countries to limit and reduce their emissions over a designated commitment period.

Answer – B. CO2
Explanation-arbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas because it absorbs infrared radiation, which is a type of heat energy. This causes CO2 to warm the atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases include: Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Ozone (O3) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) These gases are all emitted from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. They are also emitted from natural sources, such as volcanoes and wildfires. The more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the warmer the Earth will become. This can cause a variety of problems, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life. So, while SO2, CFCs, and other gases can also contribute to climate change, CO2 is the most important greenhouse gas because it is the most abundant and has the strongest warming effect.

Answer – C. Elephant
Explanation-The oldest animal conserved in India is the Asian elephant. The first national park in India, the Jim Corbett National Park, was established in 1936 to protect the Asian elephant. The park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand state.

Answer – C. Lotic
Explanation- The flowing water ecosystem is also referred to as a lotic ecosystem. Lotic ecosystems include rivers, streams, and other water bodies characterized by continuous or semi-continuous water flow. These ecosystems support diverse communities of aquatic plants and animals adapted to the flowing water conditions. Lotic ecosystems are dynamic and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, sediment transport, and providing habitats for various species.

Answer –C. CA(OCl)Cl
Explanation-Calcium hypochlorite is not an ozone-depleting substance and does not contain chlorine or fluorine atoms that can react with ozone molecules. It is commonly used as a disinfectant and for water treatment purposes. While it is important to be cautious about the environmental impacts of any chemical, calcium hypochlorite does not contribute to ozone depletion.

Answer – C. Great Indian Bustard
Explanation-The Great Indian Bustard is a protected bird species in India. It is listed as critically endangered under the IUCN Red List and is also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird known for its distinctive appearance and habitat preference in grasslands and semi-arid regions of India. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect and restore its dwindling population.

Answer – D. All of these
Explanation-The acidification of oceans is a cause of concern due to its detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. All the given statements are correct: i) The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected: Coral reefs are highly sensitive to changes in ocean pH levels, and increased acidity can hinder the growth and calcification of coral organisms, leading to the degradation of coral reef ecosystems. ii) The survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae will be adversely affected: Many marine organisms, including various species of fish and invertebrates, rely on phytoplankton larvae for their survival. Acidic conditions can impair the development and survival of these larvae, impacting the overall biodiversity and food web dynamics. iii) The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected: Increased ocean acidification can influence the chemistry of seawater and reduce the production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound that plays a role in cloud formation. This can have implications for weather patterns and global climate.

Answer – D. USA
Explanation-The Green Party of the United States (GPUS) is a federation of state Green parties in the United States. The party advocates for green politics, including environmentalism, nonviolence, social justice, participatory democracy, grassroots democracy, anti-war efforts, anti-racism, and principles of libertarian socialism and eco-socialism. The party is typically considered to be on the left-wing of the political spectrum. As of 2022, it holds the position of the fourth-largest political party in the United States in terms of voter registration, following the Libertarian Party.

Answer – C. Rio Summit
Explanation-Agenda 21 was formulated at the Rio Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. Agenda 21 is an action plan that provides a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable development at the global, national, and local levels. It covers a wide range of issues, including biodiversity, climate change, poverty alleviation, and the role of various stakeholders in achieving sustainable development.

Answer – C. UNEP
Explanation-The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) was initiated by C. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). The GEF was established in 1991 as an international financial institution to address global environmental challenges. Its primary goal is to provide financial assistance and support to developing countries for projects and programs that promote environmental sustainability and address issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution. The GEF operates as a partnership between various international organizations, including UNEP, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and others.