Environment questions from UPSC 2014

Question 1 · Environment / Pollution

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the...

Question 2 · Ecology

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

Question 3 · Environmental Organizations

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 coun...

Question 4 · Environmental Protection

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...

Question 5 · Wetlands Conservation

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

Question 6 · Environmental Initiatives

Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour' : 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO. 2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a ce...

Question 7 · Environment / Conservation

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...

Question 8 · Environmental Pollution

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 a...

Question 9 · Environment & Ecology

Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such commun...

Question 10 · Environment / Marine Ecosystems

Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Gulf of Kachchh 3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Question 11 · Environmental Finance

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

Question 12 · Environment / Conservation

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

Question 13 · Environmental Conventions

Consider the following international agreements : 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 3...

Question 14 · Environment / Biogeochemical Cycles

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 answ...

Question 15 · Environment / Climate Change

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 lev...

Question 16 · Animal Physiology

Consider the following : 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

Question 17 · Sustainable Agriculture

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 o...

Question 18 · Ecology / Biology

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

Question 19 · Environmental Organizations

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...

Question 20 · Environment / Animal Behavior

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/ar...

Question 21 · Environment / Botany / Traditional Knowledge

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements : 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are u...

Question 22 · Environmental Governance

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...