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RPSC 2018 — Environment Questions with Answers

All 13 Environment previous-year questions from RPSC 2018, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Ecology

   Consider the following statements regarding the food chains in ecosystems. Which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism(s)? 1. Virus 2. Fungi 3. Bacteria

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: Decomposers break down dead organic matter into simpler substances. Fungi and bacteria are the principal decomposers; viruses are obligate parasites and are not decomposers.

2. Q2.Biodiversity

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

   • a)Amnesty International
   • b)International Court of Justice
   • c)The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
   • d)World Justice Project

   Explanation: Prosopis juliflora is an invasive alien species that aggressively colonizes arid lands, depletes groundwater and out-competes native vegetation, making it a frequent subject of ecological concern.

3. Q3.Sustainable Agriculture

   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:

   • a)1, 3 and 4
   • b)2, 3, 4 and 5
   • c)2, 4 and 5
   • d)1, 2, 3 and 5
4. Q4.Biodiversity

   The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

   • a)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.
   • b)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.
   • c)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.
   • d)Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
5. Q5.Climate Change

   Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?

   • a)Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
   • b)Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
   • c)Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
   • d)Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
6. Q6.Environmental Degradation

   Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
7. Q7.International Organizations

   The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

   • a)The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
   • b)The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
   • c)The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
   • d)The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
8. Q8.Invasive Species

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

   • a)Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
   • b)It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
   • c)Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
   • d)None of the above
9. Q9.Marine Ecosystems

   Consider the following statements: 1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters. 2. More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines. 3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 and 2 only
   • b)3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
10. Q10.Climate Initiatives

    "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by

    • a)The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
    • b)The UNEP Secretariat
    • c)The UNFCCC Secretariat
    • d)The World Meteorological Organization
11. Q11.Protected Areas

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

    • a)Arunachal Pradesh
    • b)Manipur
    • c)Meghalaya
    • d)Nagaland
12. Q12.Forest Rights & Tribals

    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?

    • a)1 and 2 only
    • b)2 and 3 only
    • c)3 only
    • d)1, 2 and 3
13. Q13.Agriculture

    Consider the following: 1. Birds 2. Dust blowing 3. Rain 4. Wind blowing Which of the above spread plant diseases?

    • a)1 and 3 only
    • b)3 and 4 only
    • c)1, 2 and 4 only
    • d)1, 2, 3 and 4