Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – D. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation-
▪ Kanha National Park is situated in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest and most well-known national parks in India, famous for its population of Bengal tigers and significant conservation efforts. Kanha National Park is renowned for its biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Answer – B. 01/01/2016
Explanation-
▪ The Namami Gange Scheme, a flagship program of the Indian government, was announced on 01/01/2016. It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at rejuvenating and conserving the River Ganga (Ganges) and its tributaries.

▪ The scheme focuses on various aspects, including pollution control, wastewater treatment, riverfront development, and promotion of sustainable sanitation practices. The goal is to restore the ecological health and cultural significance of the Ganges River.

Answer – B. September 16
Explanation-
▪ Ozone Day is observed on September 16th each year. It is an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and addressing issues related to ozone depletion.

▪ The day provides an opportunity to highlight the progress made in implementing the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Answer – D. Electrostatic precipitator
Explanation-
▪ An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is a device that effectively eliminates fine particles, such as dust and smoke, from a gas flow without the need for filters.

▪ It achieves this by employing an induced electrostatic charge to attract and capture the particles, while causing minimal obstruction to the gas flow passing through the apparatus.

Answer – C. Biological treatment
Explanation-
▪ Activated sludge is a biological treatment process used in the management of wastewater. It involves the use of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, to break down organic matter present in the wastewater.

▪ The wastewater is mixed with a culture of activated sludge, which contains microorganisms capable of biodegrading the organic pollutants. Through aeration and controlled conditions, the microorganisms consume the organic matter, reducing its concentration in the wastewater and producing a treated effluent.

Answer – C. faecal matter.
Explanation-
▪ E. Coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is used as an indicator organism to determine the pollution of water with faecal matter.

▪ The presence of E. Coli in water indicates potential contamination by sewage or animal waste, which can introduce harmful pathogens and pollutants. Monitoring E. Coli levels helps assess the microbiological quality of water and ensures the safety of water sources for various purposes.

Answer – A. <320 nm.
Explanation-
▪ Ozone (O₃) undergoes photolysis, a process of decomposition by light, primarily due to ultraviolet (UV) radiations of wavelengths less than 320 nm. These short-wavelength UV radiations, often referred to as UV-C, have sufficient energy to break apart ozone molecules into oxygen (O₂) molecules. The photolysis of ozone plays a crucial role in the natural balance of ozone in the atmosphere and influences the formation and destruction of ozone in different atmospheric layers.

Answer – D. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam
Explanation-
▪ Located within the Nallamala forest area, the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve stands as India’s largest tiger reserve. Encompassing a vast expanse of 3,728 square kilometers (1,439 square miles) across five districts—Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda, and Mahabub Nagar—the reserve boasts a core area of 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles). With its magnificent reservoirs and revered temples at Srisailam, the reserve attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims, making it a prominent destination of interest.

Answer – B. Tiger
Explanation-
▪ Kanha National Park is famous for its population of tigers. Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, it is one of the prime tiger reserves in the country and a significant habitat for the conservation of the Bengal Tiger.

▪ Kanha National Park is renowned for its lush forests, grassy meadows, and diverse wildlife, including other species such as leopards, deer, monkeys, and various bird species. It offers visitors an opportunity to witness the majestic tigers in their natural habitat.

Answer – C. Soil erosion
Explanation-
▪ Overgrazing, which refers to excessive grazing of livestock on a particular area of land, can cause soil erosion. When animals continuously feed on vegetation without giving it enough time to regenerate, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion.

▪ The absence of vegetation cover leads to the loosening of soil particles, making them susceptible to wind and water erosion. Soil erosion can have detrimental effects on soil fertility, water quality, and ecosystem health, impacting agricultural productivity and overall land sustainability.