Environment & Ecology # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for global warming?

Oxygen
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Explanation - Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Correct answer is: Carbon Dioxide

Q.2 What is the main cause of acid rain?

Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Oxygen depletion
Methane emissions
Explanation - Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere to form acidic precipitation, known as acid rain.
Correct answer is: Sulfur dioxide

Q.3 The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce emissions of which type of gases?

Greenhouse gases
Ozone gases
Noble gases
Inert gases
Explanation - The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.
Correct answer is: Greenhouse gases

Q.4 Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?

Coal
Natural gas
Solar energy
Petroleum
Explanation - Solar energy is renewable because it is derived from the sun, which is inexhaustible on a human timescale.
Correct answer is: Solar energy

Q.5 Which ecosystem is called the 'lungs of the Earth'?

Deserts
Grasslands
Forests
Oceans
Explanation - Forests produce large amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide, hence termed the 'lungs of the Earth'.
Correct answer is: Forests

Q.6 What is biomagnification?

Increase in species diversity
Accumulation of toxins in food chain
Reduction of greenhouse gases
Depletion of ozone layer
Explanation - Biomagnification is the process where harmful substances like pesticides accumulate in higher concentrations as they move up the food chain.
Correct answer is: Accumulation of toxins in food chain

Q.7 Which is the major cause of ozone layer depletion?

Carbon dioxide
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Methane
Nitrogen
Explanation - CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which break down ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion.
Correct answer is: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Q.8 The process by which fertile land becomes desert is called?

Deforestation
Desertification
Afforestation
Eutrophication
Explanation - Desertification is the degradation of land in arid and semi-arid areas due to factors like drought and human activities.
Correct answer is: Desertification

Q.9 Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

Oxygen
Nitrogen
Methane
Argon
Explanation - Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Correct answer is: Methane

Q.10 Eutrophication in water bodies is caused mainly due to:

Oil spills
Excess nutrients
Plastic pollution
Heavy metals
Explanation - Eutrophication occurs due to high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion.
Correct answer is: Excess nutrients

Q.11 Which type of forest is most commonly found near the equator?

Boreal forest
Temperate forest
Tropical rainforest
Mangrove forest
Explanation - Tropical rainforests are dense forests found near the equator with high rainfall and biodiversity.
Correct answer is: Tropical rainforest

Q.12 Which is considered the cleanest fossil fuel in terms of carbon emissions?

Coal
Petroleum
Natural gas
Lignite
Explanation - Natural gas produces fewer carbon emissions per unit of energy compared to coal and petroleum.
Correct answer is: Natural gas

Q.13 Which of the following contributes to the formation of smog?

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
Oxygen and nitrogen
Helium and argon
Methane only
Explanation - Smog is formed due to the reaction of pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides with sunlight, creating ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
Correct answer is: Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides

Q.14 The term 'biodiversity hotspot' refers to:

Areas with high species richness and endemism
Regions with low rainfall
Areas with deserts
Regions with high temperature
Explanation - Biodiversity hotspots are regions rich in species, many of which are endemic, but threatened by human activities.
Correct answer is: Areas with high species richness and endemism

Q.15 Which of the following is an effect of deforestation?

Increase in soil fertility
Decrease in carbon dioxide levels
Loss of habitat for wildlife
Rise in oxygen levels
Explanation - Deforestation removes trees, reducing habitats for wildlife, increasing CO2, and contributing to climate change.
Correct answer is: Loss of habitat for wildlife

Q.16 What is the major source of indoor air pollution in rural households in India?

Industrial emissions
Use of biomass for cooking
Vehicle exhaust
Plastic burning
Explanation - Burning biomass like wood and dung in poorly ventilated kitchens produces indoor air pollutants harmful to health.
Correct answer is: Use of biomass for cooking

Q.17 Which international day is observed on June 5th to raise awareness about environmental issues?

World Environment Day
Earth Day
Ozone Day
Biodiversity Day
Explanation - June 5th is observed as World Environment Day to promote awareness and action for environmental protection.
Correct answer is: World Environment Day

Q.18 Which of the following is an effect of ozone layer depletion?

Increase in UV radiation
Global cooling
Reduction in greenhouse gases
Acid rain
Explanation - Ozone layer depletion allows more harmful UV-B rays to reach Earth's surface, causing health and ecological issues.
Correct answer is: Increase in UV radiation

Q.19 The practice of planting trees to restore a deforested area is called:

Afforestation
Deforestation
Agroforestry
Urbanization
Explanation - Afforestation is the process of creating forests on non-forested or degraded lands to improve the environment and biodiversity.
Correct answer is: Afforestation

Q.20 Which of the following is a major contributor to marine pollution?

Plastic waste
Oxygen
Sand
Wind
Explanation - Plastic debris accumulates in oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Correct answer is: Plastic waste

Q.21 Which soil conservation method is suitable for hilly areas?

Contour plowing
Monoculture farming
Slash and burn
Irrigation
Explanation - Contour plowing along the slope reduces soil erosion in hilly regions by slowing water runoff.
Correct answer is: Contour plowing

Q.22 Which of the following is considered a non-biodegradable pollutant?

Paper
Plastic
Food waste
Leaves
Explanation - Plastic does not decompose easily and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Correct answer is: Plastic

Q.23 Which of the following organisms is used as an indicator of water pollution?

Earthworm
E. coli bacteria
Butterfly
Tiger
Explanation - The presence of E. coli in water indicates fecal contamination and poor water quality.
Correct answer is: E. coli bacteria

Q.24 Which of the following renewable energy sources is derived from the heat of the Earth?

Wind energy
Solar energy
Geothermal energy
Hydro energy
Explanation - Geothermal energy is generated from the Earth's internal heat and is a sustainable energy source.
Correct answer is: Geothermal energy

Q.25 Which of the following is considered a major threat to biodiversity?

Urbanization
Climate change
Deforestation
All of the above
Explanation - Urbanization, climate change, and deforestation all contribute to habitat loss, species extinction, and reduced biodiversity.
Correct answer is: All of the above