Daily Quiz

Environment & Ecology

Red Sanders



Question:

As per the IUCN Red List ‘Red Sanders’ is classified as:

A. Near Threatened
B. Endangered
C. Critically Endangered
D. Least Concern

Answer:
A

Explanation:
• Red Sanders are aromatic woods that are in great demand. They are endemic to India and are found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnatka and Tamil Nadu.
• Since, 1997 it was classified as ‘Endangered’, but due to the proactive vigilance by forest officials its condition has improved and is now listed as ‘Near Threatened’ as per IUCN Red List.
Purpose of the Question:
Large chunks of Red Sanders were recently seized from smugglers by forest officials at the Andhra-Tamil Border. Export of red sanders is completely banned in India; Red Sanders have medicinal and cosmetic use and in countries like China, it is considered auspicious and people use it in their furniture and in musical instruments.

Source: Times Of India

Environment & Ecology

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary



Question:

Consider the following statements regarding the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:


1. It is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
2. It is bounded by protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast and on the southeast by Mudumulai of Tamil Nadu.
3. It is one of the safest havens for different species of vultures like the White-rumped vultures and the Red-headed vultures.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3 only


Answer: B

Explanation:

• The sanctuary was established in 1973 and is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary comes under Project Elephant.
• The sanctuary is bounded by the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast and on the southeast by Mudumulai of Tamil Nadu.
• It is part of the Deccan Plateau and the vegetation can predominantly be seen is of the South Indian deciduous teak forests. The sanctuary also has pastures of the west-coast semi-evergreen trees.
• It is one of the safest havens for different species of vultures like the White-rumped vultures and the Red-headed vultures.

Purpose of the Question:
With the rise in temperature, the seasonal migration of wild animals from wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has started. The animals migrate owing to easy availability of fodder and water.

Source: The Hindu

Environment & Ecology

Animal Species



Question:

Consider the following statements:


1. It is found in the Dachigam National Park, Sindh Valley, Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. It has been listed among the top 15 species which require high priority in conservation by the union government and is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ as per IUCN Red List.

These references are with respect to which mammal?

A. Snow Leopard
B. Hangul
C. Musk Deer
D. Himalayan Black Bear

Answer: B

Explanation:
• The Kashmir Stag or Hangul is a subspecies of elk native to India and is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. It is found in the riverine forests in the high valleys and mountains of Kashmir Valley and Northern Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh in Dachigam National Park, Sindh Valley, Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It has been listed under Schedule-1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1978. It has been listed among the top 15 species which require high priority in conservation by the union government. The IUCN has declared the Hangul as Critically endangered.

Source:
The Hindu

Environment & Ecology

IUCN



Question:

Which of the following is ‘incorrectly’ matched?

Species IUCN
1. Cinereous Vulture Critically Endangered
2. Himalayan Griffon Vulture Endangered
3. Himalayan Marmot Least Concern

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C.1, 2 and 3
D. None

Answer: A

Explanation:
Species IUCN
1. Cinereous Vulture Near Threatened
2. Himalayan Griffon Vulture Near Threatened
3. Himalayan Marmot Least Concern

• Cinereous Vulture is found in Eurasian region and has distinct feature like Pink Beak and Black Tip. In the winter season, it migrates from the Eurasian region to relatively warmer conditions like India & Pakistan. This bird is frequently seen in winter season in Rajasthan but for the first time this has been observed in the state of Jharkhand too.
• The Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) is a marmot species that inhabits alpine grasslands throughout the Himalayas and on the Tibetan Plateau. It is IUCN Red Listed as Least Concern because of its wide range and possibly large population.

Source: The Hindu

Environment & Ecology

Pangolin



Question:

Consider the following statements about “Pangolin”?


1. It is the most trafficked mammal on the planet.

2. Indian Pangolin is listed as “Critically Endangered” but Chinese Pangolin is listed as “Endangered” as per IUCN.

3. It is nocturnal and is listed in Appendix 1 of CITES.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 1 only

B. 3 only

C.1, 2 and 3

D.1 and 3 only

Answer: D

Explanation: Pangolin looks like reptiles but is a mammal which relies on ants and termites as food. It doesn’t have teeth and sucks the food by its tongue. It is the most trafficked mammal on the planet.
Indian Pangolin is listed as “Endangered” but Chinese Pangolin is listed as “Critically Endangered” as per IUCN. Chinese Pangolin is found in Northeastern states of India along with Southeastern countries.

Why is Pangolin in so much Demand?
It is used as delicacies in the country like Vietnam, China etc. and its scales are also considered to have medicinal properties, hence is high in demand.

In Africa, pangolins are hunted for bush meat, and in parts of Asia, are used in traditional medicine and eaten as a delicacy. Pangolin scales are made of the same material as fingernails but are claimed to help with lactation issues and other ailments; ornaments made of them are believed to have healing properties.

Environment & Ecology

Renewable Energy Of India



Question:

Which of the following contributes maximum to Renewable Energy of India?


A. Solar Energy

B. Wind Energy

C. Biomass

D. Tidal Energy.

Answer: B

Explanation: India’s installed capacity is around 350 GW with 60 GW as Renewable Energy. In 60 GW around 60% of the Renewable Energy is contributed by wind & around 21% by solar power. Hence, the correct answer is B.

Source: Economic Times