08 Ans

VISIONIAS
www.visionias.in
ANSWERS & EXPLANATION

GENERAL STUIDES (P) TEST – 2435 (2018)
Q 1.D
o A limiting factor is a factor that restricts the size of a population from reaching its full potential. Both
abiotic and biotic factors determine both where an organism can live and how much a population can
grow. Limiting factors may be biotic, such as the availability of food, or abiotic, such as access to water.
freeupscmaterials.org
Abiotic factors, such as temperature, soil and light, can also influence an organisms success in an area.
The tolerance range of an organism are the abiotic conditions in which an organism can survive. Hence,
options 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
Q 2.A
o Composting is the natural process of 'rotting' or decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms
under controlled conditions. Raw organic materials such as crop residues, animal wastes, food garbage,
some municipal wastes and suitable industrial wastes, enhance their suitability for application to the soil
as a fertilizing resource, after having undergone composting. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Moisture content is an important factor in aerobic composting. The moisture content if about 55 percent
is beneficial for biological breakdown of the waste. It may be sometimes necessary to add water in to
maintain moisture content. The microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria help to stabilise the organic
matter. Compost produced acts as a good fertilizer for plants. The composting process also produces
carbon dioxide and heat which can be used for various purposes like cooking. Hence, statements 2
and 3 are correct.
o About Composting:
o Composting may be divided into two categories by the nature of the decomposition process. In anaerobic
composting, decomposition occurs where oxygen is absent or in limited supply. Under this method,
anaerobic micro-organisms dominate and develop intermediate compounds including methane, organic
acids, hydrogen sulphide and other substances. In the absence of O, these compounds accumulate and are
not metabolized further. Many of these compounds have strong odours and some present phytotoxicity.
As anaerobic composting is a low-temperature process, it leaves weed seeds and pathogens intact.
Moreover, the process usually takes longer than aerobic composting.
o Aerobic composting takes place in the presence of ample O. In this process, aerobic microorganisms
break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, water, heat and humus, the
relatively stable organic end product. Although aerobic composting may produce intermediate compounds
such as organic acids, aerobic micro-organisms decompose them further. The resultant compost, with its
relatively unstable form of organic matter, has little risk of phytotoxicity. The heat generated accelerates
the breakdown of proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates such as cellulose and hemi-cellulose. Hence,
the processing time is shorter. Although more nutrients are lost from the materials by aerobic composting,
it is considered more efficient and useful than anaerobic composting for agricultural production. Most of
this publication focuses on aerobic composting.
Q 3.A
o Effects of Toxic Particulate Materials
 Lead: affects blood system, behavioural disorders and can also cause death.
 Cadmium: Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, kidney damage.
 Nickel: Respiratory symptoms, lung cancer.
1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
www.freeupscmaterials.org
 Mercury: Nerve and brain damage, kidney damage.
 Beryllium: Causes berylliosis. Affects mucus membrane of eyes and lungs. Causes shortness of
breath, weight loss, lung cancer and affects heart.
 Asbestos: Causes asbestiosis, shortness of breath, pleural calcification and lung cancer.
Q 4.C
o Eco mark was started in 1991 and is certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to
products conforming to a set of standards aimed at the least impact on the ecosystem. Hence,
statements 1 and 2 are correct.
o The scheme operates on a national basis and provide accreditation and labelling for household and other
consumer products which meet certain environmental criteria along with quality requirements of the
Indian Standards for that product. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
o The primary criteria for Eco mark label -Production process including source of raw material, likely
impact on the environment, energy conservation in the production of the product, effect & extent of waste
arising from the production process, disposal of the product and its container, utilization of waste and
recycled materials, suitability for recycling or packaging, biodegradability.
Q 5.B
o Statement (b) is not correct.
o Biogas refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
It is a type of biofuel. It is produced by anaerobic fermentation of bio-degradable materials such as
biomass, manure or sewage, municipal waste, green waste and energy crops.
Importance of biogas:
 When cow dung is put in a biogas plant, two main products are obtained- (a) methane gas which
can be used as a fuel for domestic purposes and (b) liquid humus that can be used as a natural
fertilizer.
 Biogas can be generated from locally available materials like animal dung, vegetable wastes,
agricultural wastes, etc. In this way, waste is a managed and converted into useful products.
 Biogas is a clean fuel as it burns without smoke or any odour and is ashless.
 Biogas has a high calorific value. It has been estimated that a small family of four persons required
4.25% of biogas per day.
 Biogas provides about 5 times more energy than the direct burning of the same quantity of dried dung
cakes.
 The fertilizer left after extracting biogas has 43% more strength than dung used directly as manure.
Q 6.A
o Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus. It is the
organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil
microorganisms. Humus is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an
extremely slow rate. Hence, statement 1 and 3 are not correct.
o Humus significantly influences the density of soil and contributes to moisture and nutrient
retention. Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. It contains many useful nutrients
for healthy soil, nitrogen being the most important of all.Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o Soil formation begins with the weathering of humus. The humus is further degraded by some microbes
and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation.
Q 7.C
o Statement 1 is correct: National Park is an area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. Its boundaries are marked by legislation. Whenever
it appears to the State Government that an area by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphological, or zoological association or importance, needs to be constituted as a National Park for
the purpose of protectin& propagating or developing wildlife therein or its environment, it may, by
notificLtion, declare its intention to constitute such area as a National Park. Alteration of the boundaries
of a National Park can be made only through a resolution passed by the Legislature of the State.
o Statement 2 is correct: Unlike a Sanctuary, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no
rights are allowed. No grazing of any livestock shall also be permitted inside a National Park while in a
Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it.
Q 8.B
o The green revolution had an adverse affect on indigenous agriculture practices of the hills and many seeds
were lost. The Beej Bachao Andolan is a people's movement for conserving traditional seeds,
promoting agricultural biodiversity, sustainalble agriculture and local traditions which started from Tehri
district, Uttarakhand. It was led by farmer and social activist Vijay Jardhari and took its proper form in
late 1980s. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.
o It promotes organic farming practices like use of organic manure in place of chemical fertilizers and
leaves of neem, walnut, ash and cow urine for controlling pests and insects.It also promotes the Baranaja
(meaning twelve grains) a traditional, scientific and sustainable system of mixed farming, intercropping of
twelve grains species. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 9.D
o Natality refers to the number of births during a given period in the population that are added to the initial
density. Natality contributes to an increase in population density.
o Mortality is the number of deaths in the population during a given period. It contributes to a decrease in
population density.
o Immigration is the number of individuals of the same species that have come into the habitat from
elsewhere during the time period under consideration. It contributes to an increase in population density.
o Emigration is the number of individuals of the population who left the habitat and went elsewhere during
the time period under consideration. It contributes to decrease in population density.
o So, option d is the correct answer.
Q 10.C
o Sacred Groves are tracts of forest set aside by people believing that the forest has a resident god or
goddess. Such a protected area is rich in flora and fauna. They are remnant patches of native vegetation
surviving in their natural form. Some scientists call them relic-forests.
Q 11.B
o Reasons for higher biological diversity in tropical region compare to temperate region:
 Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years and thus, had a long
evolutionary time for species diversification. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
 Tropical environments, unlike temperate ones, are less seasonal, relatively more constant and
predictable. Such constant environments promote niche specialisation and lead to a greater species
diversity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
 There is more solar energy available in the tropics, which contributes to higher productivity; this in
turn might contribute indirectly to greater diversity. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 12.A
o Statement 1 is correct: Wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where wild animal and plant species are
protected. It is species oriented unlike biosphere reserve.
o Statement 2 is not correct: Human activities like tilling of land, collection of minor forest produce,
harvesting of timber and private ownership rights are allowed in wild life sanctuary.
Q 13.C
o In a numeric pyramid, the base corresponds to the first trophic level, to producers. The top level of the
pyramid generally corresponds to the last consumer order of the food chain (since the number of
individual decomposers, most of which are microorganisms, is too large to be represented). However,
Saprotrophs/Decomposers which include micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi, form the
largest population in a food chain and obtain nutrients by breaking down the remains of dead
plants and animals.
Q 14.D
o Soil erosion means loss of top most layer of the soil which is fertile. Removal of top layer of soil is caused
by two factors:
 Natural processes like melting and movement of snow, movement of winds, wave action, rapid flow
of water along slopes, torrential rain etc.
 Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, surface mining, faulty methods of agriculture etc.
make the top soil vulnerable to erosion.
Q 15.A
o Excess nitrate in drinking water reacts with hemoglobin to form methemoglobin and impairs oxygen
transport. This condition is called Methaeglobinemia or Blue Baby Syndrome. Mercury compounds in
waste water are converted into extremely toxic methyl mercury by bacterial action. This may lead to
Minamata disease.
o Long term ingestion of high fluoride in drinking water causes neuro-muscular disorders, gastrointestinal
problems teeth deformity, hardening of bones and painful joints (skeletal Fluorosis) Silicosis is a lung
disease caused by breathing in (inhaling) silica dust. Silica dust forms during mining, quarrying,
tunneling, and working with certain metal ores. Silica is a main part of sand, so glass workers and sand-
blasters are also exposed to silica.
Q 16.B
o FPO stands for Fruit Products Order and is mandatory on all processed fruit products sold in India such
as packaged fruit beverages, fruit-jams, crushes and squashes, pickles, dehydrated fruit products, and fruit
extracts. The FPO mark guarantees that the product was manufactured in a hygienic 'food-safe'
environment, thus ensuring that the product is fit for consumption.
o AGMARK is a certification mark employed on agricultural products in India. The
present AGMARK standards cover quality guidelines for 213 different commodities spanning a variety
of pulses, cereals, essential oils, vegetable oils, fruits and vegetables and semi-processed products.
o BIS hallmark certifies the purity of gold jewellery and is not related to food products.
Q 17.D
o Ozone layer is present in the second layer of atmosphere, Stratosphere. It absorbs ultraviolet
radiations and infrared rays from the sun. This leads to heating of Stratosphere and causes temperature
inversion, it prevents vertical mixing of pollutants from troposphere to stratosphere.
Q 18.D
o Photoperiod refers to the time that a plant or animal is exposed to light in a 24-hour period. Light is used
by organisms as a stimulus for activity. When duration of daylight reduces, animals go into
hibernation. Photoperiod causes programming of life cycles, coordination of opening of buds of
flowers in plants and migration in animals. Breeding time in most organisms is determined by
photoperiod in such a way that offspring has greatest chance of survival. Hence, all statements are
correct.
Q 19.D
o The relationship between species may be beneficial to both, harmful to both or beneficial or harmful to
one and neutral for the other. If interactions result into harmful effects on one or both species are
considered as negative interactions.
Q 20.A
o Esturaries are the transitional zone between the sea and rivers.—areas where fresh and saltwater mix—are
made up of many different types of habitats. These habitats can include oyster reefs, coral reefs, rocky
shores, submerged aquatic vegetation, marshes, and mangroves. There are also different animals that
live in each of these different habitats. Due to accumulation of organic materials and agricultural
chemicals from adjacent land into water, the level of nutrients is also high. Hence, statement 1 is
correct and 2 and 3 are not correct.
o Estuarine animals show a number of adaptations to the unstable conditions of the environment. They have
special ability to maintain salt and water balance in presence of changing environment. They also have
special adaptations to tidal and wave action.
Q 21.A
o Biopiracy is defined as the privatisation and unauthorised use of biological reserve by entities (including
corporations, universities and governments) outside a country which has pre-existing knowledge of rare
biological reserves. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Agencies indulging in biopiracy illegally claim:
 Exclusive commercial rights to plants, animals, organs, micro-organisms and genes;
 Commercialisation of traditional communities' knowledge on biological resources;

 Patenting of biological reserves.
o Biopiracy is not limited to drug research and development. It can take place in other fields such as
agriculture biotechnology also. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Q 22.D
o Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental
impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural
and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.
o Advantages of Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) are as follows:
 It provides for better understanding of impacts of the project.
 It identifies the issues that are contentious and help in resolving those issues.
 It reduces the disputes and confrontations.
 It ensure cooperation of local people and transperancy for the implementation of the project.
 It create a sense of local ownership among the people residing in and around the project area.
Q 23.D
o An interaction where one species benefits and the other remains unaffected is known as commensalism.
For example, Suckerfish attaches itself to the underside of sharks and feeds on fragments of residual
from the shark's meal, the suckerfish benefit from this relationship, but the shark's generally do
not. Hence, correct answer is option 'd'.
o Mutualism describes an interaction that benefits both species. A well-known example exists in the
mutualistic relationship between alga and fungus that form lichens. The photsynthesizing alga supplies the
fungus with nutrients, and gains protection in return. Another examples are, the egret or cowbird feeds on
ticks or other pests off of the animal's back and Nitrogen fixing rhizobium bacteria forms nodules in roots
of leguminous plants.
Q 24.C
o A single plant or animal in a parasitic food chain may support numerous parasites, which might be further
supporting a larger number of hyperparasites. Thus, the pyramid of numbers in a parasitic food chain is
inverted. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o In the aquatic system, the biomass can increase at higher trophic levels. For example, in Oceans, the food
chain typically starts with phytoplankton and ends at predatory fish, which has largest biomass. Thus, the
pyramid of biomass is inverted in the aquatic systems including marine, ponds etc. Hence, statement 2 is
not correct.
o Energy cannot be recycled and during the flow of energy from one trophic level to other, there is a
considerable loss in the form of heat, respiration, mechanical energy etc. Highest energy is available to
primary producers and lowest to tertiary consumers. Therefore, the pyramid of energy is always upright
and vertical. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 25.C
o Statement 1 is correct- Photochemical smog occurs in warm, dry and sunny weather because
sunlight (UV Rays) is needed for the reaction to start. The main components of the photochemical
smog result from the action of sunlight on unsaturated hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides produced by
automobiles and factories. Photochemical smog has a high concentration of oxidizing agents and is,
therefore, called as oxidizing smog.
o Statement 2 is correct- Photochemical smog leads to the creation of ground level ozone. It is created by
chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the
presence of sunlight. It can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and
people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Ground level ozone can also have harmful
effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.
Q 26.D
o Depletion of resources means consumption of resources at a faster rate than they are produced by nature
itself.
o All the given factors are responsible for the resource depletion. As the natural resources like land, water,
minerals, fossil fuels etc. are limited. Increasing population, technological development and
indiscriminate use of these resources lead to their depletion.
Q 27.A
o Fringing Reefs: It is a coral reef, which is attached to the shore, either as a continuous wave-washed
erosion platform or separated from the coastline by shallow lagoon.
o Barrier Reefs: This is an elongated accumulation of corals lying at low-tide level parallel to the coast, but
separated from it by a wide and deep lagoon or strait.
o Atoll: A ring of narrow growing corals of horseshoe shape and crowned with palm tree, generally found
around an island or in the elliptical form on a submarine platform. There is a lagoon in the middle of the
coral ring.
Q 28.B
o Katas (Orissa), Kere (Karnataka) and Tankas (Gujarat) are traditional water harvesting/irrigation systems.
o The katas, mundas and bandhas were the main irrigation sources in the ancient tribal kingdom of the
Gonds (now in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh). Most of these katas were built by the village headmen
known as gountias, who in turn, received the land from the Gond kings. A kata is constructed north to
south, or east to west, of a village. A strong earthen embankment, curved at either end, is built across a
drainage line to hold up an irregularly-shaped sheet of water.
o Tankas (small tank) are underground tanks, found traditionally in most Bikaner houses. They are built in
the main house or in the courtyard. They were circular holes made in the ground, lined with fine polished
lime, in which raiwater was collected. Tankas were often beautifully decorated with tiles, which helped to
keep the water cool. The water was used only for drinking.
o Kere - Tanks, called kere in Kannada, were the predominant traditional method of irrigation in the Central
Karnataka Plateau, and were fed either by channels branching off from anicuts (chech dams) built across
streams, or by streams in valleys. The outflow of one tank supplied the next all the way down the course
of the stream; the tanks were built in a series, usually situated a few kilometres apart. This ensured (a) no
wastage through overflow, and (b) the seepage of a tank higher up in the series would be collected in the
next lower one.
Q 29.D
o Harmful Effects of Ozone depletion on Humans
 Increased susceptibility to skin-cancer
 Increase cataract (a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque,
resulting in blurred vision)
 Damage DNA (DNA mutations) and cause genetic disorders.
 Damage to cornea and causes retinal diseases
 Suppresses human immune systems
o Effects on terrestrial plants
 Inhibits photosynthesis
 Inhibits metabolism
 Represses growth
o Effects on aquatic ecosystems
 Exposure to solar UV-B radiation has been shown to affect both orientation mechanisms and motility
in phytoplankton, resulting in reduced survival rates for plankton population adversely affecting
marine food chain. Hence, it disturbs the ecological balance in acquatic life.
 Marine/freshwater organisms are very sensitive to UV-rays. E.g. Corals
UV rays damage the physical and chemical properties of complex chemical substance. Plastics
become brittle when it comes in contact with UV rays.
Q 30.A
o A biosphere reserve is a special area of land or coastal environment in which multiple use of land is
permitted by dividing it into certain zones.
o The natural or core zone consists of an undisturbed and legally protected ecosystem. Hence, statement 1
is correct.
o The buffer zone surronds the core area, and is managed to accomodate a greater variety of resource use
strategies. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
o The transition zone, the outermost part of the biosphere reserve is an area of active cooperation between
the management and the local people.
Q 31.C
o In our biosphere heterogeneity exists not only at the species level but all levels of biological organization
ranging from macromolecules within cells to biomes. The most important forms of diversity are at the
following levels:
o Genetic Diversity: A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distributional
range. India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and 1000 varieties of
mango. Hence, Pair 1 is incorrectly matched.
o Species Diversity: The diversity at the species level. For example, the Western Ghats have a greater
amphibian species diversity than Eastern Ghats. Hence, Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.
o Ecological Diversity: At the ecosystem level, India, for instance, with its deserts, rain forests, mangroves,
coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows has a greater ecosystem diversity than a
Scandinavian country like Norway. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.
Q 32.C
o Nanda Devi biosphere reserve is in Uttarakhand. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
o Panchmarhi biosphere reserve is in Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh.
o Nilgiri biosphere reserve is in state of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
o Agashthyamalai biosphere reserve is in Kerala.
o Hence option (c) is correct.
Q 33.D
o Option 1 is correct- Oxygen is the most important gas in the atmosphere. Without oxygen, there would
be no life on the earth. In polluted waters amount of dissolved oxygen often gets reduced (due to
excessive consumption by bacteria's to break down organic matter) leading to the death of aquatic
organisms.
o Option 2 is correct- Oxygen is less soluble in warm water. Warm water also increases the rate of
decomposition. Thus increasing temperature of water body increases oxygen depletion
o Option 3 is correct- Sunlight is necessary for primary producers to carry out photosynthesis. It is the
ultimate energy source. This is the reason why deep ocean (devoid of sunlight) have less biodiversity or
whatever that is based on Chemosynthesis.
o Option 4 is correct- If too much of organic matter is added to water, all the available oxygen is used up.
This causes oxygen dependent aquatic life to die. Thus excessive organic matter will disturb the aquatic
food chain, resulting in low aquatic productivity.
Q 34.A
o Spring shock or acid shock is a sudden increase in the level of acidity of surface waters (lakes, streams,
and rivers) in mid‐latitude areas, caused by the melting in spring of snow (has much sulphuric acid) that
has accumulated through the winter. An acid shock can cause significant damage to freshwater species
and habitats. Hence statement 1 is correct and 2 and 3 are not correct.
Q 35.C
o Biomagnifications refers to increase in concentration of the toxicant at successive trophic levels. This
happens because a toxic substance accumulated by an organism cannot be metabolized or excreted, and is
thus passed on to the next higher trophic level. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o This phenomenon is well-known for mercury and DDT. The concentration of DDT is increased at
successive trophic levels; say if it starts at 0.003 ppb (ppb = parts per billion) in water, it can ultimately
can reach 25 ppm (ppm = parts per million) in fish-eating birds, through biomagnifications. High
concentrations of DDT disturb calcium metabolism in birds, which causes thinning of eggshell and their
premature breaking, eventually causing decline in bird populations. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 36.D
o All the statements are correct.
o The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted for protection of plants and animal species. The major
provisions of the act are:
 Strengthening management and protection of infrastructure of National parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries.
 Protection of wildlife from threats of poaching.
 Development of selected ex-situ conservation ares, like Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Q 37.A
o Wind is an inexpensive, reliable and non-polluting source of energy for generating electricity The
windmills with four or eight blades are used on a farm for generating small amounts of direct current to
run water pumps. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o A number of windmills are installed in a definite pattern in clusters called wind farms. Wind farms are
installed in coastal regions, open grasslands or hilly regions. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
o Indian wind energy programme is the fifth largest in the world after China, USA, Germany and
Spain. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Q 38.A
o Carbon dioxide, by definition, has a GWP of 1 as it is used as the reference. Methane is known to trap
heat five times more effectively than Carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide is 230 times more efficient in global
warming than Carbon dioxide. Greenhouse potential of Chlorofluorocarbons can be in the thousands or
tens of thousands and are responsible for 15 to 20 percent of the global warming.
Q 39.C
o Statement (c) is not correct.
o Eutrophication:
 Enrichment of an aquatic system by addition of nutrients, primarily phosphates & nitrates runoffs
from chemical fertilizers
 Nutrient enrichment accelerates the growth of algae which soon covers almost entire surface
layer, known as algae bloom.
 Algae bloom restricts the penetration of sunlight, which restricts process of photosynthesis among
underwater plants, leading to depletion of oxygen which results in death of aquatic organisms.
 Depletion of oxygen also occurs due to decomposition of dead algae by microorganisms which
require oxygen for decomposition process
 New anaerobic condition also promotes growth of bacteria (clostridium botulinum) which produces
toxins deadly to aquatic organisms, birds & mammals
 Harmful Algae bloom is commonly known as Red tide, which is basically a misnomer as blooms are
not always red in colour & certainly not associated with tides, Scientifically referred as Harmful algal
blooms (HABs)
 Common cause for algae blooms are nutrient enrichment of water (esp. of nitrates & phosphates) &
rise in water temperature.
Q 40.B
o Captive breeding takes place in restricting or captive areas such as zoos, national parks, aquariums etc. It
provides a means for conserving species that may not survive in the wild.
o The Nandankanan Zoological Park in Orissa is famous for captive breeding of white tigers. Internationally
acclaimed for its large collection of white tigers, Nandankanan is also the first-ever captive breeding
centre of endangered species for creating awareness of wildlife. It also has the distinction of being the host
zoo in the world for captive breeding of white tigers which originated in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
o Also, the first ever successful captive breeding of Gharial (crocodile) in an artificially constructed water
tank took place at Nandankanan in 1980.
Q 41.C
o Factors affecting decomposition of organic matter are:
 Temperature: Cold periods retard plant growth and decomposition. Warm summers may permit plant
growth and humus accumulation. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
 Soil moisture: Adequate soil moisture i.e. about 60 to 80 percent of the water-holding capacity of the
soil is must for the proper decomposition of organic matter. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
 Nutrients: Lack of nutrients particularly Nitrogen slows decomposition. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
 Soil pH: Most of the microbes grow best at pH 6 – 8, but are severely inhibited below pH 4.5 and
above pH 8.5.
 Soil Texture: Soils higher in clays tend to retain larger amounts of humus.
Q 42.A
o Taungya system is an artificial method of forest regeneration. In this system during initial
regeneration periods, agriculture is practiced in the forest land. Next year seedling of forest crops are
grown in rows. This combined cultivation of agricultural crops along forest crops in alternate rows help in
speedy penetration and spreading of tree roots inside the soil. When the seedlings mature, farmers are
allotted another cleared forest plot. Forests can also be regenerated by dispersing seeds from the sky
through airplanes and helicopters.
Q 43.C
o There are 7 essential plant nutrient elements defined as micronutrients: boron (B), zinc (Zn), manganese
(Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl). They constitute in total less than 1%
of the dry weight of most plants.
o Magnesium and Sulphur are examples of macronutrients.
o All the inorganic substances are divided into two types:
o Macronutrients (needed in large quantities) : Examples are carbon, hydrogen, Sulphur, calcium sodium,
magnesium, iron, phosphorus and oxygen
o Micronutrients (needed in small quantities): Examples are Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc,
Molybdenum, Boron and Silicon
Q 44.C
o Ecosystem is the basic, functional, self sustaining unit of biosphere.An ecosystem includes all of the
living things (plants, animals and organisms) in a given area, interacting with each other, and also with
their non-living environments (weather, earth, sun, soil, climate, atmosphere). Ecosystems are the
foundations of the biosphere and they determine the health of the entire system.
Q 45.D
o Causes of biodiversity losses: The accelerated rates of species extinctions that the world is facing now
are largely due to human activities. There are four major causes:
 Habitat loss and fragmentation: This is the most important cause driving animals and plants to
extinction. The degradation of many habitats by pollution also threatens the survival of many species.
When large habitats are broken up into small fragments due to various human activities, mammals
and birds requiring large territories and certain animals with migratory habits are badly affected,
leading to population declines.
 Over-exploitation: Humans have always depended on nature for food and shelter, but when ‗need‘
turns to ‗greed‘, it leads to over-exploitation of natural resources. Many species extinctions in the last
500 years were due to overexploitation by humans. Presently many marine fish populations around
the world are over harvested, endangering the continued existence of some commercially important
species.
 Alien species invasions: When alien species are introduced unintentionally or deliberately for
whatever purpose, some of them turn invasive, and cause decline or extinction of indigenous species.
You must be familiar with the environmental damage caused and threat posed to our native species by
invasive weed species like carrot grass (Parthenium), Lantana and water hyacinth (Eicchornia). The
recent illegal introduction of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture purposes is posing
a threat to the indigenous catfishes in our rivers.
 Co-extinctions: When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an
obligatory way also become extinct. When a host fish species becomes extinct, its unique assemblage
of parasites also meets the same fate. Another example is the case of a coevolved plant-pollinator
mutualism where extinction of one invariably leads to the extinction of the other.
o Hence, all statements are correct.
Q 46.C
o Warm water does not have the same oxygen holding capacity as cold water.Therefore, some fishes like
the Trout, which require certain oxygen concentration, either emigrate from the polluted area or die. When
the temperature in the water bodies increases, the dissolved oxygen level decreases. Hence, statement 1
is correct.
o Thus, an anaerobic condition sets, resulting in the release of foul gases.
o Blue-Green algae grow better in warm water. They produce a significant amount of toxins. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
Q 47.D
o All of the given methods are used to control air pollution from a thermal power plant.
o Electrostatic precipitator: It is a device that helps in pollution control by removing many chemicals.
These chemicals are lime salts, activated charcoal. It also removes particles called 'Fly ash' because they
are light and tend to fly around in hot flue gases.
o Particulate filter: It separate the particulate matter from the gases in electric power plants. The smoke
passes through a series of cloth bags which trap the particulate matter.
o Gravitational settling chamber: This device consists of huge rectangular chambers. The gas stream
polluted with particulates is allowed to enter from one end. The horizontal velocity of the gas stream is
kept low in order to give sufficient time for the particles to settle by gravity.
o Scrubber: It is a device that employs spray of water to catch pollutants during emissions. A dry scrubber
is used to remove acid gases.
Q 48.C
o Succession is a process that starts where no living organisms are there – these could be areas where no
living organisms ever existed, say bare rock; or in areas that somehow, lost all the living organisms that
existed there. The former is called primary succession, while the latter is termed secondary succession.
o Secondary succession begins in areas where natural biotic communities have been destroyed such as in
abandoned farm lands, burned or cut forests, lands that have been flooded. Since some soil or sediment is
present, succession is faster than primary succession.
o Hence, both the statements are correct.
Q 49.C
o At the global scale, the key greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are:
 Carbon dioxide (CO2): Fossil fuel use is the primary source of CO2. CO2 an also be emitted from
direct human-induced impacts on forestry and other land use, such as through deforestation, land
clearing for agriculture, and degradation of soils. Likewise, land can also remove CO 2 from the
atmosphere through reforestation, improvement of soils, and other activities.
 Methane (CH4): Agricultural activities, waste management, energy use, and biomass burning all
contribute to CH4 emissions.
 Nitrous oxide (N2O): Agricultural activities, such as fertilizer use, are the primary source of N2O
emissions. Fossil fuel combustion also generates N2O.
 Fluorinated gases (F-gases): Industrial processes, refrigeration, and the use of a variety of consumer
products contribute to emissions of F-gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC).
Q 50.D
o Ecological Pyramids express the food or energy relationship between organisms at different trophic level.
This, relationship is expressed in terms of number, biomass or energy. The base of each pyramid
represents the producers or the first trophic level while the apex represents tertiary or top level consumer.
The three ecological pyramids that are usually studied are (a) pyramid of number; (b) pyramid of biomass
and (c) pyramid of energy.
o However, there are certain limitations of ecological pyramids:
 it does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
 It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never exists in nature; it does not
accommodate a food web.
 Moreover, saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids even though they play a
vital role in the ecosystem.
Hence, all the statements are correct.
Q 51.B
o The Vienna Conference was the first international conference on ozone layer depletion. It was held
in Vienna, Austria in 1985 when a hole in the stratospheric ozone layer was observed in the South Pole.
o Through the Montreal Protocol convention in 1987 developed countries decided to reduce
chlorofluorocarbons production, which is an ozone depleting material, production step by step. Some
relaxations were provided to developing countries.
o The Helsinki Conference of 1989 was held to revise the Montreal Protocol. There it was agreed to have a
total ban by 2000 on chemicals that cause ozone depletion.
o The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 is an international treaty with main focus on reducing green house
gas emissions to curb global warming. Hence, it is not correct.
Q 52.C
o Bioremediation refers to the process of using microorganisms to degrade waste matter. There are two
methods of degrading waste matter i.e., In-situ and Ex-situ bioremediation. Where, In-situ means
conversion of environmental pollutants into harmless forms by introducing micro-organisms. And Ex-situ
involves removal of waste materials from their place origin and their collection at another place to
facilitate microbial degradation. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
o Vermicomposting is the phenomenon of compost formation of waste by earthworms. Hence, statement 2
is correct.
Q 53.B
o Coal and oil burned by power plants and other industries release Sulphur dioxide (SO2) into air because
coal and oil contain small amount of sulphur. Automobile exhausts add SO2 and nitrogen dioxides to the
air. Both SO2 and nitrogen oxides are converted into acids Nitrous oxide (HNO3) and Sulphuric acid
(H2SO4) when they combine with oxygen and water vapour in the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide is not
responsible.
o The acids, so formed are washed down from air to earth during rain or snow fall. It is called acid rain or
acid snow. The acids react with minerals present in soil to form sulphates and nitrates due to acid rain.
Rain water even in its purest form is slighlty acidic with pH 5.6 due to dissolved CO2. But areas near coal
and oil burning industries and where motor vehicles ply in large numbers, pH goes down to 2 and rain
becomes strongly acidic. Mountain foot hills are the worst affected. The moisture laden air rises to higher
altitudes it condenses to fall as rain or snow, dropping its load of pollutants. In spring, snow melts and
adds pollutants to lakes and other water bodies. When the dissolved pollutants drop as rain or snow (wet
deposition) it is termed acid precipitation.
Q 54.C
o Rotation of the Earth around the Sun and the tilt of its axis cause annual variations in the intensity and
duration of temperature, resulting in distinct seasons. These variations together with annual variation in
precipitation (both rain and snow) account for the formation of major biomes such as desert, rain forest
and tundra. Hence, statement 1 is corrcet.
o Regional and local variations within each biome lead to the formation of a wide variety of habitats. On
planet Earth, life exists not just in a few favorable but even in extreme and harsh habitats. Even our
intestine is a unique habitat for hundreds of species of microbes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 55.A
o An organism, often a bacterium or fungus, feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, thus
making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem.They release enzymes into the dead organic matter
and then absorb some of the degraded product. Decomposers attack the dead remains of producers and
consumers and degrade complex organic compounds into simple compounds. They utilize the organic
matter, derive energy and release inorganic substances for recycling. These inorganic substances are
reused by producers for the process of photosynthesis. Hence, statement 1 is correct and 2 is correct.
o Apart from processing and removing organic wastes, decomposers regenerate ecosystem fertility by
releasing nutrients that were locked up in the organic matter. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 56.B
o Desert plants develop ways to capture water to survive their habitat. These changes are called as
adaptation. A common adaptation is to store water in roots, stems, leaves or fruit. Plants that store water in
such a way are called succulents.
o Plants develop long roots that go deep into the ground to reach underground water. They develop
spreading root system stretching widely so that tiny roots and capture water when it rains. Hence,
statement 1 is not correct.
o Desert plants limit water loss through their leaf surface. Small and spiny leaves limit surface area exposed
to sun. Glossy leaves reflect the sun‘s rays reducing the evaporation rate. Some plants open their pores
only at night when it is cool and thus water loss is low. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q 57.D
o The World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the Man And Biosphere Programme consists of a dynamic
and interactive network of sites of excellence. It fosters the harmonious integration of people and nature
for sustainable development through participatory dialogue; knowledge sharing; poverty reduction and
human well-being improvements; respect for cultural values and society‘s ability to cope with change -
thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
o The biosphere reserves under World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India are: Nilgiri range, Gulf of
Mannar, Sunderbans, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak biosphere
reserve, Nicobar Islands and Agasthyamala.
Q 58.D
o Vehicles are responsible for more than 80 percent of total air pollution in cities. Major pollutants released
from motor vehicle exhaust are carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, nitrogen monoxide and
suspended particulate matter.
Q 59.D
o Expansion of desert area in contiguous land is called desertification. It has been recognized that
desertification is a major environment problem, particularly due to increased urbanization.The process of
desertification has been accelerated due to human activities like over-cultivation, unrestricted grazing,
deforestation and poor irrigation practices. Hence, all statements are correct.
Q 60.B
o Allen's rule: The principle holding that in a warm-blooded animal species having distinct geographic
populations, the limbs, ears, and other appendages of the animals living in cold climates tend to be shorter
than in animals of the same species living in warm climates.
o Bergmann's rule is an ecogeographical rule that states that within a broadly distributed taxonomic clade,
populations and species of larger size are found in colder environments, and species of smaller size are
found in warmer regions.
o Gloger's rule is an ecogeographical rule which states that within a species of endotherms, more heavily
pigmented forms tend to be found in more humid environments, e.g. near the equator.
o Rensch's rule is a biological rule on allometrics, concerning the relationship between the extent of sexual
size dimorphism (SSD) and which sex is larger.
Q 61.C
o Leachate is a liquid that seeps through solid wastes or other medium and has extracts of dissolved
or suspended material from it.
o Leachate generation is a major problem for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and causes significant
threat to surface water and groundwater. A highly contaminated liquid called leachate is generated from
decomposition of garbage and precipitation that infiltrates and percolates downward through the volume
of waste material. When leachate reaches and mixes with groundwater or seeps into nearby bodies of
surface water, public health and environmental quality are jeopardized.
Q 62.A
o Air pollutants are classified into :
o Primary pollutants: The pollutants that are emitted directly from the source and are found in the
atmosphere in the form in which they were emitted are known as primary pollutants such as ash, smoke,
dust, radioactive compounds etc.
o Secondary pollutants: The pollutants that are formed in the atmosphere by chemical interactions
between primary pollutants and atmospheric constituents are known as secondary pollutants sucn
as sulphur trioxide, ozone, peroxyxacylnitrae, ketones etc.
Q 63.D
o Fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation are the important steps of
Decomposition. Decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon
dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition.
o Decomposition Process
 Fragmentation – It is the first step in the process of decomposition. Fragmentation means breakdown
of detritus into smaller pieces by the detritivores.
 Leaching – The fragmented particles may contain a lot of water soluble nutrients which are inorganic
in nature. These nutrients get dissolved in the water and seep into the soil and get precipitated in the
process of leaching.
 Catabolism -Once the complex material is broken down to smaller particles and the
inorganic nutrients are removed, it is time to convert the detritus into simpler inorganic compounds.
This process is carried out by various fungal and bacterial enzymes by the process of catabolism.
 Humification – It is the process of formation of a dark coloured layer of amorphous substance on the
soil called humus. It cannot be decomposed easily as it is highly resistant to action by microbes. The
layer of humus is very rich in nutrients as it provides high fertility to the soil.
 Mineralisation – It is the final step in the process. Mineralisation is the process of the degradation of
the humus to release inorganic nutrients.
Q 64.B
o Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from the substances available in their
surroundings using light (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis). The green autotrophic
plants are regarded as producers.
o Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and rely on other organisms — both plants and
animals — for nutrition. Heterotrophs are of two types – Consumers and Decomposers.
Q 65.B
o Option 1 and 3 are correct- The chief ozone-depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl chloroform. Halons,
sometimes known as brominated fluorocarbons, also contribute mightily to ozone depletion. However,
their application is greatly restricted since they are utilized in specific fire extinguishers. The downside to
halons is that they are so potent that they are able to deplete the ozone layer 10 times more than other
ozone-depleting substances.
o Option 2 is not correct- Hydrofluorocarbons is a powerful greenhouse gas, but they are not able to
deplete ozone. That is why HFCs has replaced HCFCs and CFCs for use in air conditioning and
refrigeration. However, the policy maker and environmentalists have realized the Global warming
potential of HFC's and in order to regulate it, Kigali agreement was signed in 2017 which aims to phase
out HFC's by late 2040's.
Q 66.D
o A green manure is a type of cover crop grown to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Typically, a
green manure crop is grown for a specific period.
o Leguminous plants are largely used as green manure. Leguminous green manures such as clover contain
nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen in a form that plants can use.
o Green manures usually perform multiple functions that include soil improvement and soil protection.
They increase the percentage of organic matter (biomass) in the soil, thereby improving water
retention, aeration and other soil characteristics. Hence all statements are correct.
Q 67.D
o The prospective sites for exploitation of tidal energy in India are:
 Gulf of Kutch
 Gulf of Cambay
 Sunderbans delta
 Sites near Lakshdweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q 68.A
o Only statement 1 is correct.
o Atmospheric gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour, and chlorofluorocarbons
are capable of trapping the out-going infrared radiation from the earth. Infra-red radiations trapped by the
earth‘s surface cannot pass through these gases and to increase thermal energy or heat in the atmosphere.
Thus, the temperature of the global atmosphere is increased. As this phenomenon of increase in
temperature is observed in green houses, in the botanical gardens these gases are known as green house
gases and the heating effect is known as green house effect. If greenhouse gases are not checked, by the
turn of the century the temperature may rise by 50 degree celsius. This will melt the polar ice caps and
increase the sea level leading to coastal flooding, loss of coastal areas and ecosystems like swamps and
marshes, etc.
o Change in atmospheric pressure is not a criteria to term any gas as greenhouse gas.
Q 69.C
o It inhibits the activity of nitrogen fixing bacteria preset in the nodules of leguminous plants, thereby
destroying the fertility of soil. Nutrients like calcum, potassium, iron and magnesium are leached
away from soil by acids. Acid deposition weakens trees like birch, pine, spruce which can be easily
attacked by pathogens and drought. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is not
correct.
Q 70.A
o Auramine, lead chromate and congo red are non permitted food colors which cause health hazards.
Q 71.A
o Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while
adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.
o Some organisms are able to maintain homeostasis by physiological (sometimes behavioural also) means
which ensures constant body temperature, constant osmotic concentration, etc. Hence, Osmoregulation
and thermoregulation are part of Homeostasis. The body maintains homeostasis for many factors in
addition to temperature and osmotic concentration. For instance, the concentration of various ions in
blood must be kept steady, along with pH and the concentration of glucose.
o Homeostasis is maintained at many levels, not just the level of the whole body as it is for temperature. For
instance, the stomach maintains a pH that's different from that of surrounding organs, and each individual
cell maintains ion concentrations different from those of the surrounding fluid. Maintaining homeostasis
at each level is key to maintaining the body's overall function.
Q 72.A
o Marine resources are materials and attributes found in the ocean that are considered to have value. That
value can be intrinsic, or monetary. They include a huge number of things: biological diversity, fish and
seafood supplies, oil and gas (petroleum and natural gas), minerals, sand and gravel, renewable energy
resources, tourism potential, and unique ecosystems like coral reefs, sea grass, phtoplankton, crab, etc.
Q 73.A
o The Agenda 21 is the action plan to encourage sustainable development through harmonisation of social,
economic and environmental uses, and its journey in the 21st century. Agenda 21 also includes 2 groups
to play major roles in sustainable development i.e. women and indigenous people and their community. It
calls on governments to adopt national strategies for sustainable development. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
o It was adopted at the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, 1992. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Q 74.A
o In the hilly areas of North-East India, Jhuming or Shifting Cultivation takes place. First of all, a forest is
cleared through burning and land is cultivated for a few years. When the land loses its fertility, that area is
abandoned and new areas are cleared for cultivation. This reduces the fertility of the soil and in turns
the productivity too. It also causes the decline in the forest. Hence,statement 1 is correct and
statements 2 and 3 are not correct.
Q 75.A
o Statement 1 is correct- The amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down the organic matter
present in a certain volume of a sample of water is called Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The
amount of BOD in the water is a measure of the amount of organic material in the water, in terms of how
much oxygen will be required to break it down biologically.
o Statement 2 is not correct- Higher BOD is an indicator of water pollution. Higher BOD indicates a
higher organic concentration in water. It means the amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down
the organic will be high.
Q 76.D
o The causes of land degradation can be divided into natural hazards ( conditions of the physical
environment which lead to the existence of a high degradation hazard eg floods), direct causes/man-
made factors ( unsuitable land use and inappropriate land management practices eg mining,etc),
and underlying causes (eg. population growth, demand for agricultural activities, etc).
o Deforestation is both a type of degradation as such, and also a cause of other types, principally water
erosion. Deforestation in itself is not necessarily degrading without it, most productive agricultural lands
(in the temperate zone as well as the tropics) would not be available. Deforestation becomes a cause of
degradation first, when the land that is cleared is steeply sloping, or has shallow or easily erodible soils;
and secondly, where the clearance is not followed by good management.
o Mining and its subsequent activities have been found to degrade the land to a significant extent.
Overburden removal from the mine area results in a very significant loss of rain forest and the rich top
soil. Overburden removal is normally done by the process of blasting or using excavators, which results in
generation of large volume of waste (soil, debris and other material).
o Farming may lead to soil degradation, destruction of arable land, flooding due to erosion, etc.
o Landslide results in movement of soil, solid rock and soil masses. These have significant effect on land
degradation.
Q 77.A
o Antibiosis refers to the production of secretions by an organism which is harmful to others. In this
interaction none of the species in benefited. For example, some species of blue green algae produce toxins
in ponds that kill fishes and the cattle who drink that water. Hence, Option (a) is correct.
o In parasitism, one organism, the parasite, derives nourishment from another organism, its host, which is
harmed in the process. Parasites live on or in their hosts; often for long periods of time. Hence, Option
(b) is not correct.
o Competition is the conflict between organisms for a limited essential resource. competition for limited
resources can occur between individuals of different species, and it can occur between individuals of
the same species. The first kind of competition is called interspecific competition, or between-species
competition, and the second kind is called intraspecific competition, or within-species
competition. Hence, Option (c) is not correct.
o An interaction where one species benefits and the other remains unaffected is known
as commensalism. As an example, cattle egrets and brown-headed cowbirds forage in close association
with cattle and horses, feeding on insects flushed by the movement of the livestock. The birds benefit
from this relationship, but the livestock generally do not. Hence, Option (d) is not correct.
Q 78.A
o Agro-forestry is a part of social forestry. It refers to the sustainable system of managing a piece of land
through combined production of agricultural crops and forest crops and animal rearing, to ensure
the most efficient land use under a management system in accordance with socio-culture practices of the
local people. Agro-forestry aims to provide conservation of the land and its improvement in order to
achieve a combined produce of forest and agricultural crops.
o It may also be defined as a collective name for land-use systems and technologies in which woody
perennials including trees, shrubs, bamboos etc. are deliberately combined on the same landmanagement
unit with herbaceous crops or animals either in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence.
Q 79.A
o Statement 1 is correct: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and
high degree of endemism (that is, species confined to that region and not found anywhere else). These
hotspots are also regions of accelerated habitat loss.
o Statement 2 is not correct: Three of these hotspots – Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma and
Himalaya – cover India‘s exceptionally high biodiversity regions. Although all the biodiversity hotspots
put together cover less than 2 percent of the earth‘s land area, the number of species they collectively
harbour is extremely high and strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass
extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
Q 80.C
o Ecocline (ecological gradient): A gradation from one ecosystem to another when there is no sharp
boundary between the two. It is the joint expression of associated community (coenocline) and complex
environmental gradients.
o Ecotone: An ecotone is a transition area between two biomes. It is where two communities meet and
integrate. It may be narrow or wide, and it may be local (the zone between a field and forest) or regional
(the transition between forest and grassland ecosystems).
o Ecotype: In evolutionary ecology, an ecotype, sometimes called ecospecies, describes a genetically
distinct geographic variety, population or race within a species, which is adapted to specific
environmental conditions. They typically show morphological differences.
o An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for
food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces. A species' niche includes all of its interactions
with the biotic and abiotic factors of its environment. No two species have identical niches.
Q 81.B
o Rainwater harvesting potential is the amount of water that can be effectively harvested out of total water
received in an area. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
o Water harvesting potential = Rainfall (in mm) × collection efficiency (taken into account as all the rain
water cannot be totally harvested because of evaporation, run-off, spillage, first-flush wastage). Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
Q 82.A
o Nutrient Cycle is also known as biogeochemical cycle. Environmental factors like soil, moisture,
temperature, etc. regulate the rate of release of nutrients into the atmosphere. Nutrients are never lost from
the ecosystem; they are recycled time and again indefinitely. There are two types:
 Gaseous cycle: The element is mainly stored in the earth's atmosphere where it exists as a gas in
gaseous cycle. Example- nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and water
 Sedimentary cycle: This cycle have the earth's crust as the main storage area for their
elements. Example- Phosphorus, sulfur, and other more-earthbound element.
Q 83.B
o Ex-situ conservation is conservation of selected plants/animals in places outside their natural habitat. In
this method of conservation, artificial conditions are created to protect the species. Different kinds of Ex-
situ methods includes -Botanical gardens, zoos, acquarium, parks, agriculture research centres,
forest research centres, gene banks, seed banks etc.
o Biosphere reserve, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are examples of in-situ conservation
methods.
Q 84.A
o The aquatic system as small as a pond, performs all the functions of any ecosystem and of the biosphere
as a whole.
o The abiotic component is the water with all the dissolved inorganic and organic substances and the rich
soil deposit at the bottom of the pond. The solar input, the cycle of temperature, day-length and other
climatic conditions regulate the rate of function of the entire pond. The autotrophic components include
the phytoplankton, some algae and the floating, submerged and marginal plants found at the
edges. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched but pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The consumers are
represented by the zooplankton, the free swimming and bottom dwelling forms.
o The decomposers are the fungi, bacteria and flagellates especially abundant in the bottom of the
pond. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
Q 85.A
o All the statements are correct.
o A number of factors-geographic and economic influence construction of hydro-electric power plants:
 Precipitation- The amount, character and distribution of precipitation in the form of rain, snow etc.
determines power potentialities of any region. The volume of water in the river determines the amount
of energy. The amount and character must be evenly distributed throughout the year.
 Uniform supply of water, either from streams, rivers or lakes - A constant and uniform flow of water
is necessary to enable a hydro-electric plant to work at full capacity. The presence of lakes, which act
as natural regulators, is of great help in maintaining regular and constant flow of water. The water of a
river or lake must be clean and free from silt otherwise power plants will be damaged. Snowfields and
glaciers act as natural reservoirs. They maintain flow of water during the summer season.
 Topography- Mountainous relief of good 'head' or fall of water, are suitable for producing hydro-
electricity. Many mountain streams with small volume of water but tremendous drop have been
harnessed for hydro-electricity. Rapids and falls in mountain regions usually offer very good sites for
hydel-power generation.
Q 86.B
o Denitrification is the reduction of nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2) or ammonia, completing the
nitrogen cycle. Free nitrogen returns to atmosphere and oxides are taken up by plants. This process is
performed by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium in anaerobic conditions.
Q 87.A
o On the planet earth only 3 percent fresh water is available, out of this, 2.3 percent is locked in polar ice
caps and glaciers. Apart from these the highest amount of fresh water is available in ground water
(0.66%), followed by rivers, lakes and streams (0.03%).
Q 88.D
o Food adulteration is the process in which the quality of food is lowered either by the addition of inferior
quality material (adulterant) or by extraction of valuable ingredient.
o Mustard oil is adulterated with argemone oil. Turmeric (Haldi) and jaggery are both adulterated
with metanil yellow colour. Black pepper corns adulterated with papaya seeds.
Q 89.B
o CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an
international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in
specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
o It is an international agreement to which States adhere voluntarily. States that have joined CITES are
known as Parties. CITES is legally binding on the Parties. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The
World Conservation Union).The text of the Convention was finally agreed in USA, in 1973, and on 1 July
1975 CITES entered in force. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Q 90.A
o Green plants -> Butterfy -> Dragonfly -> Frog -> Snake -> Hawk
Q 91.D
o Following are the effects of soil pollution:
 Radioactive fallout on vegetation is the source of radio-isotopes which enter the food chain.
Radioactive material moves from soil into crops, livestock and human bodies through food chains.
 Land and soil pollution is responsible for loss of fertility and productivity of soil.
 Particles in sewage may clog the micro holes of the soil and destroy the organisms necessery for
the soil enrichment.
 Sewage sludge contains many pathogenic bacteria, viruses and intestinal worms which cause various
types of diseases.
Q 92.B
o A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement for any ecosystem to function and
sustain. Primary production is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit
area over a time period by plants (producers) during photosynthesis. Hence, statement 1 is not
correct. In Secondary productivity new organic matter is formed by consumers. To compare the
productivity of different ecosystems. It can be divided into gross primary productivity (GPP) and net
primary productivity (NPP).
o Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during
photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is utilised by plants in respiration. Gross primary
productivity minus respiration losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP).
o Primary productivity depends on the plant species inhabiting a particular area. It also depends on a variety
of environmental factors, availability of nutrients and photosynthetic capacity of plants. And it varies in
different types of ecosystems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 93.D
o Coal can be divided into four varieties:
 Anthracite coal: It is hard coal, black in colour and is ideal for domestic use since it burns slowly
without smoke. It has a high energy value and is considered to be the best quality of coal.
 Bituminous coal: It has 50 per cent to 80 per cent carbon, with a good energy value. Bituminous coal
can be subdivided into
(a) coking coal: used in blast furnaces
(b) gas coal
(c) steam coal
 Lignite: It is brown in colour. It has 60 percent carbon and gives off a low heat. Its use is in the
production of thermal electricity.
 Peat: It is loose in structure. It gives less heat and leaves a lot of ash after burning.
Q 94.A
o The coral is a polyp, an organism that lives in the shallow sea. Its skeleton is composed of limestone and
dolomite. The layers of deposition of the skeletons of these polyps form a shallow rock known as Coral
Reef.
o They thrive in tropical oceans confined between 25 degree North and 25 degree South latitudes. Hence,
statement 1 is correct. Corals are found mainly in the tropical oceans and seas because they require high
mean annual temperature above 20 degree celsius. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o Since coral polyps cannot survive above water level, coral reefs are found either up to sea level or below
it. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Q 95.C
o Biodegradable materials are composed of waste from living organisms and the actual plant, animal or
other organism when its life ends.Examples of Biodegradable materials, often referred to as ―bio-waste‖,
include the following:
 Human and animal waste
 Plant products, wood, paper, food waste, leaves, grass clippings
 Remains from the death of living creatures
o Materials having properties that do not breakdown or decay are called Non-biodegradable wastes.Non-
biodegradable materials do not breakdown naturally. But, that doesn‘t mean they cannot be reused. The
key difference here is that the process requires time, energy and expense. Glass and plastic can be reused
to make other products, but the waste must first be separated by type of material and then processed into a
usable substance. Examples include:
o Glass
o Metals
o Plastics
o Electronic devices
o Medical waste
Q 96.C
o Silviculture refers to the practice of growing and cultivation of trees. It helps to bring more areas under
forests and produce more raw materials, prevent soil erosion and maintain water cycle.
Q 97.C
o Carbon is the basic constituent of all organic compounds. Since energy transfer occurs in the consumption
and storage of carbohydrates and fats, carbon moves to the ecosystem with flow of energy The source of
nearly all carbon found in the living organisms is CO2 which is found in free state in atmosphere and in
dissolved state in the water on the earth. Green plants (producers) use CO2 through photosynthesis in
the presence of sunlight and carbohydrate is formed. Later on, complex fats and polysaccharides are
formed in plants which are utilized by animals. Hence, Option 2 is not correct.
o Flesh eating animals (carnivores) feed on herbivores and the carbon compounds are again digested and
converted into the other forms. Carbon is released to the atmosphere directly as CO2 in respiration of both
plants and animals. Hence, Option 3 is correct.
o Bacteria and fungi attack the dead remains of plants and animals. They degrade the complex organic
compounds into simple substances which are then available for other cycles. Part of the organic carbon is
incorporated into the earth‘s crust as coal, gas, petroleum, limestone and coral reef Carbon from such
deposits may be liberated after a long period of time. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
Q 98.D
o Death of organism is the beginning of the detritus food chain/web. It is made up of decomposers
which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient
requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs.
Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown dead and waste materials into simple, inorganic
materials, which are subsequently absorbed by them. The green plant in the ecosystem-terminology are
called producers. Grazing food chain begins with green plants where primary consumers are
herbivores. The chain or web is formed because of this interdependency. No energy that is trapped into an
organism remains in it for ever. The energy trapped by the producer, hence, is either passed on to a
consumer or the organism dies. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
o Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels: some of the
organisms of detritus food chain are prey to the grazing food chain animals, and in a natural ecosystem,
some animals like cockroaches, crows, etc., are omnivores. These natural interconnection of food chains
make it a food web. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 99.B
o CNG is made by compressing natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane. It is safer than other
fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released.
CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the diesel/petrol. CNG vehicles emit 40 percent
less nitrous oxide, 80 percent less carbon monoxide.
Q 100.D
o Mulch is a layer of decaying organic matter such as leaf, litter, compost, aquatic weeds etc. on the ground.
The advantages of mulching are:
 It helps in retaining soil moisture.
 Help in reducing soil erosion.
 Add nutrients to the soil.
 Encourage favorable microbial activity.
 Suppress weed growth.
 Maintain temperature of the soil.
 Increase fertility of the soil.
Hence, all the given statements are correct.
Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of Vision IAS.

08 Ans

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

08 Ans

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

VISIONIAS

ANSWERS & EXPLANATION

2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Commercialisation of traditional communities' knowledge on biological resources;

indiscriminate use of these resources lead to their depletion.

6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

suspended particulate matter.

13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

the humus to release inorganic nutrients.

14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Copyright © by Vision IAS

21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

S-ar putea să vă placă și