Ecology, Pollution and Conservation — UPSC Prelims PYQs (Set 2)

Q1. Consider the following statements :
Statement–I : According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement–II : India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? UPSC Prelims 2023

Question 1 optionsABoth Statement–I and Statement–II are correct and Statement–II is the correct explanation for Statement–IBBoth Statement–I and Statement–II are correct and Statement–II is not the correct explanation for Statement–ICStatement–I is correct but Statement–II is incorrectDStatement–I is incorrect but Statement–II is correct
Q2. Consider the following heavy industries :
1. Fertilizer plants
2. Oil refineries
3. Steel plants Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries? UPSC Prelims 2023

Question 2 optionsAOnly oneBOnly twoCAll threeDNone
Q3. If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys." Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 3 optionsAThe water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.BAlgae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.CWetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.DAquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Q4. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :
1. The 24-hour mean of PM$_{2.5}$ should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM$_{2.5}$ should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM$_{10}$ can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 4 optionsA1, 3 and 4B1 and 4 onlyC2, 3 and 4D1 and 2 only
Q5. Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
1. Alfalfa
2. Amaranth
3. Chickpea
4. Clover
5. Purslane (Kulfa)
6. Spinach
Select the correct answer using the code given below : UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 5 optionsA1, 3 and 4 onlyB1, 3, 5 and 6 onlyC2, 4, 5 and 6 onlyD1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
Q6. The "Miyawaki method" is well known for the: UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 6 optionsAPromotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areasBDevelopment of gardens using genetically modified floraCCreation of mini forests in urban areasDHarvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
Q7. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 7 optionsACentral Water CommissionBCentral Ground Water BoardCCentral Ground Water AuthorityDNational Water Development Agency
Q8. Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing" ? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 8 optionsAConveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally soundBNon-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a countryCIgnoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure developmentDMaking mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Q9. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi ? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 9 optionsAAntBCockroachCCrabDSpider
Q10. Consider the following :
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ? UPSC Prelims 2022

Question 10 optionsA1, 2 and 3B2 and 4 onlyC4 onlyD1, 3 and 4
Q11. ‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 11 optionsAenvironmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industryBecological management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar ConventionCsustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded landsD‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources
Q12. Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 12 optionsA1 and 2 onlyB2 and 3 onlyC1 and 3 onlyD1, 2 and 3
Q13. With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements :
1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct? UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 13 optionsA1 and 2 onlyB2 and 3 onlyC1 and 3 onlyD1, 2 and 3
Q14. In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?
1. Fern
2. Lichen
3. Moss
4. Mushroom
Select the correct answer using the code given below. UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 14 optionsA1 and 4 onlyB2 onlyC2 and 3D1, 3 and 4
Q15. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 15 optionsACongress grassBElephant grassCLemongrassDNut grass
Q16. Consider the following kinds of organisms :
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans? UPSC Prelims 2021

Question 16 optionsA1 and 2B2 and 3C3 and 4D1 and 4

0 of 16 answered

Ecology, Pollution and Conservation — UPSC Prelims PYQs (Set 2)

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