Q241. The International Board of Plant Genetic Resources was an initiative of
A. IUCN
B. FAO
C. UNEP
D. FAO and UNEP
Answer – B. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
Explanation-The International Board of Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) was an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The IBPGR was established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Its primary focus was to facilitate the collection, preservation, and sharing of plant genetic materials, including seeds, in order to maintain global agricultural biodiversity and support crop improvement efforts.
Q242. Climate Action Network formed in 1989 included
A. 20 Countries
B. 22 Countries
C. 28 Countries
D. 32 Countries
Answer – C. 28 Countries
Explanation-The Climate Action Network (CAN) was formed in 1989 and initially included 28 countries. CAN is a global network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on climate change issues. It aims to promote collaboration and advocacy for climate action, raise awareness, and influence international climate negotiations and policies. Over time, the network has expanded to include more organizations from various countries working collectively to address climate change challenges.
Q243. The best way to get rid of biomedical waste is
A. Incineration
B. Autoclaving
C. Chemical treatment
D. Landfill
Answer – B. Autoclaving
Explanation-Autoclaving is a good method of disposal for biomedical waste. Autoclaving uses steam to sterilize biomedical waste, killing any microorganisms or pathogens. However, autoclaving is not as effective as incineration at destroying pathogens.
Q244. The first environmental protection act in Independent India was
A. Air Pollution Act
B. Water Pollution Act
C. Environmental Protection Act
D. Hazardous Waste Act
Answer – B. Water Pollution Act.
Explanation-The first environmental protection act in independent India was the Water Pollution Act, which was passed in 1974. The act was enacted to prevent and control water pollution, and it established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to implement the act. The CPCB is a statutory body that is responsible for monitoring and controlling water pollution in India.
Q245. Compressed Natural Gas is the other name of
A. Ammonia
B. Methane
C. Hydrogen sulfide
D. Carbon dioxide
Answer – B. Methane
Explanation-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is primarily composed of methane gas. CNG is a clean-burning fuel that is used as an alternative to gasoline and diesel in vehicles. It is obtained from natural gas reserves and is compressed to reduce its volume for storage and transportation. The combustion of CNG produces fewer emissions and pollutants compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Q246. The number of biodiversity hotspots in India is/are
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer – D. Four
Explanation-Out of the 36 biodiversity hotspots identified worldwide, India is home to four of them. These hotspots include the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland. These regions are known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making them important areas for conservation efforts. The presence of these four hotspots highlights the significant ecological diversity and importance of India in global biodiversity conservation.
Q247. Landfill gas is the other name of
A. CO2
B. CO
C. H2
D. CH4
Answer – D. CH4 (Methane)
Explanation-
â–ª Landfill gas is primarily composed of methane (CH4), along with small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases. Landfill gas is produced by the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, and it is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. Efforts are made to capture and utilize landfill gas as a renewable energy source to reduce its environmental impact.
Q248. The convention for biodiversity is dated back to
A. 1973
B. 1983
C. 1993
D. 2003
Answer – C. 1993
Explanation-
â–ª The convention for biodiversity refers to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
â–ª The CBD is an international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It entered into force on December 29, 1993.
Q249. The super oil bag is actually
A. A fungus
B. An algae
C. A bacteria
D. A transgenic bacteria
Answer –D. A transgenic bacteria
Explanation-
â–ª The super oil bag is actually a transgenic bacteria. It is a genetically modified strain of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida that has been engineered to produce a large amount of oil. The gene that codes for oil production was inserted into the bacteria’s genome, and the bacteria was then grown in a special medium that promoted oil production. The resulting bacteria produces about 10 times more oil than the unmodified bacteria.
Q250. The following organism is an indicator for air pollution.
A. Algae
B. Fungi
C. Lichen
D. Bryophytes
Answer – C. Lichen
Explanation-
â–ª Lichens are considered bioindicators or indicator organisms for air pollution. Lichens are unique symbiotic organisms composed of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium living together in a mutualistic relationship.
â–ª They are highly sensitive to air quality and can be used to assess air pollution levels. Certain species of lichens are more tolerant to pollution, while others are more sensitive. By monitoring the presence and health of lichen populations, scientists can gain insights into air pollution levels and its impacts on ecosystems.
