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Civil Services Prelims Examination Ecology & Environment - GS Paper I

Civil Services Examination 2019


1. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

  1. The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
  2. The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
  3. The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
  4. The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011


2. Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

  1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
  2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


3. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
  2. The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
  3. The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
  4. It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.


4. Consider the following statements:

  1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
  2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
  3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

  1. Creating the artificial rains in some regions
  2. Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
  3. Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
  4. Reducing the global warming


6. In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?

  1. Extraction of rare earth elements
  2. Natural gas extraction technologies
  3. Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
  4. Waste-to-energy technologies


7. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

  1. Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
  2. Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
  3. Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
  4. Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.


8. Consider the following statements:

  1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
  2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
  3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
  4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


9. Consider the following pairs: Wildlife naturally found in

  1. Blue-finned Mahseer: Cauvery River
  2. Irrawaddy Dolphin: Chambal River
  3. Rusty-spotted Cat: Eastern Ghats

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


10. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

  1. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems
  2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
  3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
  4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.


11. Which one of the following National Parks lie completely in the temperate alpine zone?

  1. Manas National Park
  2. Namdapha National Park
  3. Neora Valley National Park
  4. Valley of Flowers National Park


12. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

  1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
  2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
  3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
  4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


13. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?

  1. Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.
  2. Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
  3. The Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
  4. Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.


14. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

  1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
  2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
  3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


15. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’?

  1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
  2. Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ arc found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
  3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


16. Consider the following:

  1. Carbon monoxide
  2. Methane
  3. Ozone
  4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


17. Consider the following statements:

  1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
  2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
  3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


Civil Services Examination 2018


1. Which of the following leaf modifications occur (s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

  1. Hard and waxy leaves
  2. Tiny leaves
  3. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


2. Consider the following statements:

  1. The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
  2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
  3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


3. Consider the following:

  1. Birds
  2. Dust blowing
  3. Rain
  4. Wind blowing

Which of the above spread plant diseases?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


4. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:

  1. ‘The ‘National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
  2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
  3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Manipur
  3. Meghalaya
  4. Nagaland


6. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?

  1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
  2. Adopting minimum tillage
  3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
  4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
  5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1, 3 and 4
  2. 2, 3, 4 and 5
  3. 2, 4 and 5
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 5


7. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

  1. Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
  2. Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
  3. Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
  4. Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.


8. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?

  1. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  2. Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  3. Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  4. Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.


9. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

  1. Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
  2. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
  3. Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
  4. None of the above


10. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Civil Services Examination 2017


1. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence / consequences?

  1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
  2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
  3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


2. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

  1. Corbett National Park
  2. Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
  3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
  4. Sariska National Park


3. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

  1. Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
  2. Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
  3. Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
  4. Security of National Highways


4. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?

  1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land.
  2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field.
  3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. If you want to see Gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

  1. Bhitarkanika Mangroves
  2. Chambal River
  3. Pulicat Lake
  4. Deepor Beel


6. Consider the following statements:

  1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
  2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


7. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

  1. Measuring oxygen levels in blood
  2. Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
  3. Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
  4. Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions


8. With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?

  1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
  2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
  3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1 only


9. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?

  1. Gharial
  2. Indian wild ass
  3. Wild buffalo

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


10. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?

  1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
  2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
  3. Subterranean deep saline formations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


11. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

  1. It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
  2. It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
  3. It is endemic to a particular region of India.
  4. Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.


12. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):

  1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Civil Services Examination 2016


1. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to:

  1. Constitutional Reforms
  2. Ganga Action Plan
  3. Linking of Rivers
  4. Protection of Western Ghats


2. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?

  1. Reduction in weed
  2. Reduction in soil salinity
  3. Reduction in soil erosion

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. None of the above is an advantage of practicing drip irrigation


3. With reference to “Agenda 21”, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
  2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


4. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’ a breed found in India?

  1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater.
  2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
  3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

Selected the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

  1. Andaman Islands
  2. Anaimalai Forests
  3. Maikala Hills
  4. Tropical rain forest of northeast


6. Consider the following pairs:

Terms sometimes seen in the news Their origin
1. Annex-I Countries Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions Reductions Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism Kyoto Protocol

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


7. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

  1. Sand deserts of northwest India
  2. Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
  3. Salt marshes of western Gujarat
  4. Western Ghats


8. Which of the following are the key features of “National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)”?

  1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
  2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
  3. One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


9. Why does the Government of India promote the use of “Neem-coated Urea” in agriculture?

  1. Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
  2. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
  3. Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
  4. It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops


10. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
  2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 Only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


11. Which of following statements is/are correct?

Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to

  1. Protection of biodiversity
  2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
  3. Poverty reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 Only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


12. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol?

  1. It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
  2. It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
  3. It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
  4. It is one of the multilateral REDD-initiatives hosted by the World Bank


13. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

  1. Carbon dioxide
  2. Carbon monoxide
  3. Nitrogen dioxide
  4. Sulphur dioxide
  5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 Only
  3. 1, 4 and 5 Only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5


14. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
  2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 20C or even 1.50C above pre-industrial levels.
  3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


15. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
  2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Civil Services Examination 2015


1. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

  1. Saltwater crocodile
  2. Olive ridley turtle
  3. Gangetic dolphin
  4. Gharial


2. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

  1. Bhitarkanika National Park
  2. Keibul Lamjao National Park
  3. Keoladeo Ghana National Park
  4. Sultanpur National Park


3. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

  1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
  2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
  3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


4. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
  2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
  3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
  2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
  3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only and does not contain any toxic elements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3
  4. 3 only


6. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It is an herbivorous marine animal.
  2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
  3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3
  4. 3 only


7. Which one the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of Ozone-depleting substances?

  1. Bretton Woods Conference
  2. Montreal Protocol
  3. Kyoto Protocol
  4. Nagoya Protocol


8. Which of the statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?

  1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaption and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
  2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


9. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

  1. Khangchendzonga National Park
  2. Nandadevi National Park
  3. Neora Valley National Park
  4. Namdapha National Park


10. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
  2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management.
  3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


11. With reference to an organization known as ‘BirdLife International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
  2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
  3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


12. Which one of the following is the best description of the term ‘ecosystem’?

  1. A community of organisms interacting with one another
  2. That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms
  3. A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live
  4. The flora and fauna of a geographical area


13. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

  1. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
  2. Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
  3. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  4. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972


Civil Services Examination 2014


1. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

  1. Oxides of sulphur
  2. Oxides of nitrogen
  3. Carbon monoxide
  4. Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1, 3 and 4 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


2. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:

  1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
  2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
  3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


3. With reference to Eco-Sensitive zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the wildlife (protection) Act, 1972.
  2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


4. Consider the following statements:

  1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
  3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


5. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

  1. Biosphere Reserves
  2. Botanical Gardens
  3. National Parks
  4. Wildlife Sanctuaries


6. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock are actually a symbiotic association of

  1. algae and bacteria
  2. algae and fungi
  3. bacteria and fungi
  4. fungi and mosses


7. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

  1. Painted Stork
  2. Common Myna
  3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only


8. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

  1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers.
  2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers.
  3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally.
  4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


9. Consider the following pairs:

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


10. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
  2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


11. What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative?

  1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
  2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.
  3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
  4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 1, 2 and 4 only
  3. 2, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


12. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?

  1. Crab
  2. Mite
  3. Scorpion
  4. Spider


13. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

  1. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
  2. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
  3. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
  4. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms


14. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

  1. Changes in ecological character have occurred are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
  2. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
  3. The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
  4. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’


15. The Scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

  1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
  2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
  3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
  4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


16. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

  1. Volcanic action
  2. Respiration
  3. Photosynthesis
  4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


Civil Services Examination 2013


1. Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

  1. Beryllium
  2. Cadmium
  3. Chromium
  4. Heptachlor
  5. Mercury
  6. Lead
  7. Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  2. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
  3. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7


2. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

  1. carbon dioxide and nitrogen
  2. carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
  3. ozone and carbon dioxide
  4. nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide


3. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:

  1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
  2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
  3. food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. None


4. Consider the following pairs

National Park through the Park River flowing
1. Corbett National Park Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3
  4. None


5. Consider the following organisms

  1. Agaricus
  2. Nostoc
  3. Spirogyra

Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only


6. Which of the following adds / add nitrogen to the soil?

  1. Excretion of urea by animals
  2. Burning of coal by man
  3. Death of vegetation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


7. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

  1. Tamil Nadu
  2. Kerala
  3. Karnataka
  4. Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


8. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of

  1. insects and fungi
  2. limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
  3. water limits and fire
  4. None of the above


9. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

  1. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
  2. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
  3. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
  4. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands


10. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

  1. desert margins, liable to strong wind action
  2. low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
  3. scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
  4. None of the above


11. Consider the following pairs:

  1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills
  2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
  3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. None


12. Consider the following animals:

  1. Sea cow
  2. Sea horse
  3. Sea lion

Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


13. Consider the following

  1. Star tortoise
  2. Monitor lizard
  3. Pygmy hog
  4. Spider monkey

Which of the above found in India?

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


14. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

  1. Arsenic
  2. Sorbitol
  3. Fluoride
  4. Formaldehyde
  5. Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2, 4 and 5 only
  3. 1, 3 and 5 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5


15. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?

  1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
  2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
  3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


16. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

  1. Ecotone
  2. Ecological niche
  3. Habitat
  4. Home range


17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

  1. NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
  2. CO, 02 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
  3. CO, CO2 and N02 at low temperature
  4. High concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening


18. Consider the following fauna of India:

  1. Gharial
  2. Leatherback turtle
  3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. None


Civil Services Examination 2012


1. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?

  1. NBA checks the bio piracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
  2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
  3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


2. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

  1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
  2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative source of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
  3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
  4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


3. Chlorofluorocarbons, known are ozone-depleting substances, are used:

  1. In the production of plastic foams
  2. In the production of tubeless tyres
  3. In cleaning certain electronic components
  4. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 4 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


4. Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘Sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant?

  1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
  2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
  3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
  4. Its timber is of great commercial value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


5. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs

  1. the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
  2. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
  3. all the solar radiations
  4. the infrared part of the solar radiation


6. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?

  1. To enable them to withstand drought
  2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
  3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
  4. To increase their shelf life

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


7. Consider the following protected areas:

  1. Bandipur
  2. Bhitarkanika
  3. Manas
  4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


8. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

  1. Biosphere Reserves
  2. National Parks
  3. Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
  4. Wildlife Sanctuaries


9. Consider the following kinds of organisms:

  1. Bat
  2. Bee
  3. Bird

Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


10. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

  1. Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
  2. Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
  3. Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey, and Saras (Crane)
  4. Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal


11. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting regulating; preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting services?

  1. Production of food and water
  2. Control of climate and disease
  3. Nutrient cycling and crop pollination
  4. Maintenance of diversity


12. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?

  1. Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
  2. Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
  3. Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
  4. None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct


13. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

  1. Global warming
  2. Fragmentation of habitat
  3. Invasion of alien species
  4. Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


14. Consider the following:

  1. Black-necked crane
  2. Cheetah
  3. Flying squirrel
  4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


15. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

  1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
  2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
  3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


16. Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to

  1. the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
  2. a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
  3. Scarcity of food available to them
  4. a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them


Civil Services Examination 2011


1. Consider the following:

  1. Carbon Dioxide
  2. Oxides of Nitrogen
  3. Oxides of Sulphur

Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


2. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?

  1. Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
  2. Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
  3. Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
  4. Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming


3. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:

  1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
  2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
  3. Customs Act, 1962
  4. Indian Forest Act, 1927

Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  4. None of the Above


4. Consider the following statements:

  1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
  2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2


5. Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
  2. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
  3. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
  4. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme


6. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats, Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:

  1. Species richness
  2. Vegetation density
  3. Endemism
  4. Ethno-botanical importance
  5. Threat perception
  6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm arid humid conditions

Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

  1. 1, 2 and 6
  2. 2, 4 and 6
  3. 1, 3 and 5
  4. 3, 4 and 6


7. Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of:

  1. Its escape into the outer stratosphere.
  2. The photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
  3. The trapping of air in the polar ice caps

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 3 only


8. In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the:

  1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
  2. nutrients to the surface.
  3. bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only


9. There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?

  1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
  2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
  3. Upwelling in the seas.

Select the Correct answer from the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3


10. Consider the following:

  1. Photosynthesis
  2. Respiration
  3. Decay of organic matter
  4. Volcanic action

Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

  1. 1 and 4 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 2, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2,3 and 4


11. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

  1. Indian wild buffalo
  2. Indian wild ass
  3. Indian wild boar
  4. Indian gazelle


12. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:

  1. Soil formation
  2. Prevention of soil erosion
  3. Recycling of waste
  4. Pollination of crops

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


13. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?

  1. Biosphere Reserve
  2. Botanical Garden
  3. National Park
  4. Wildlife Sanctuary


14. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?

  1. The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
  2. The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
  3. The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
  4. The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots


15. The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of:

  1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
  2. Threatened plant and animal species.
  3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 and 3
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only