Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – A. Fossil fuel
Explanation-
▪ Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary cause of global warming. To control global warming, it is crucial to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which have lower carbon emissions.

Answer – B. Arsenic
Explanation-
▪ Blackfoot disease is caused by long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic, usually through drinking contaminated groundwater. It is a peripheral vascular disease characterized by progressive damage to blood vessels in the lower limbs. The blackfoot disease was particularly prevalent in certain regions of Taiwan where the groundwater was contaminated with naturally occurring arsenic.

Answer – A. Chipko movement
Explanation-
▪ The Chipko movement is a famous environmental movement in India that originated in the 1970s. It is associated with the protection and conservation of forests. The movement involved hugging or embracing trees to prevent their felling and raised awareness about the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and sustaining local communities.

Answer – A. Sparrow
Explanation-
▪ Sparrows are small, insectivorous birds that are found all over the world. They are particularly vulnerable to PCBs because they eat insects that have accumulated PCBs from the environment. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause a variety of health problems in sparrows, including reproductive problems, impaired growth, and death.

▪ Doves, ostriches, and penguins are not as vulnerable to PCBs as sparrows because they do not eat insects as their primary food source. However, they can still be affected by PCBs if they eat contaminated food or water.

▪ Here are some of the health problems that PCBs can cause in sparrows:

• Reproductive problems: PCBs can interfere with the development of eggs and sperm, leading to decreased fertility.

• Impaired growth: PCBs can slow down the growth of sparrows, leading to smaller birds. • Death: High levels of PCBs can be fatal to sparrows.

▪ PCBs are a persistent environmental pollutant that can have a devastating impact on wildlife. Sparrows are one of the birds that are most vulnerable to PCBs, and their populations have declined in many areas due to exposure to this pollutant.

Answer – D. Mercury
Explanation-
▪ Minamata disease is caused by mercury contamination. It is a neurological disorder that affects humans and wildlife exposed to high levels of methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury.

▪ Minamata disease originated in Minamata City, Japan, due to industrial discharge of mercury into the Minamata Bay. The disease’s symptoms include neurological impairments, muscle weakness, and cognitive disabilities.

Answer – A. Aluminium
Explanation-
▪ Contamination of soil with high levels of aluminium makes it hard for trees to take up water. Aluminium toxicity in soil can inhibit root growth and disrupt the absorption of water and nutrients by plant roots, leading to reduced plant productivity and health.

▪ Acidic soils with low pH levels often have elevated aluminium concentrations. The presence of excess aluminium in the soil can result from factors such as acid rain, certain mining activities, or the use of aluminium-containing soil amendments. The interference with water uptake by trees due to aluminium toxicity can negatively impact their overall growth and survival.

Answer – B. Wetlands
Explanation-
▪ The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 that promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It emphasizes the ecological importance of wetlands and recognizes them as critical habitats for numerous plant and animal species.

▪ It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971. The convention encourages the protection and sustainable management of wetlands, including marshes, lakes, rivers, peatlands, and coastal areas.