Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Environment & Ecology (01 July 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Environment & Ecology

1. Consider the following statements regarding Community Forest Resource rights:

1. The Community Forest Resource rights are recognised under Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.
2. It recognises community’s right to use, manage and conserve forest resources.
3. Simlipal National Park in Odisha is the first national park to recognise Community Forest Resource rights.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Community Forest Resource rights under Section 3(1)(i) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (commonly referred to as the Forest Rights Act or the FRA) provide for recognition of the right to “protect, regenerate or conserve or manage” the community forest resource. These rights allow the community to formulate rules for forest use by itself and others and thereby discharge its responsibilities under Section 5 of the FRA. It is important as it recognises the community’s right to use, manage and conserve forest resources, and to legally hold forest land that these communities have used for cultivation and residence. It also underlines the integral role that forest dwellers play in sustainability of forests and in conservation of biodiversity. Simlipal National Park in Odisha is the first national park to recognise Community Forest Resource rights. Hence, all statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. Nilgiri biosphere reserve is the largest protected forest area in India.
2. Nilgiri biosphere reserve is spread across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana.
3. India’s natural Gold fields are located in the regions in and around Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Nilgiri biosphere reserve is the largest protected forest area in India, spreading across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. India’s natural Gold fields are also located in the regions in and around Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve scattered in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Western Ghats:

1. Western Ghats is one of the eight hotspots of biological diversity in the world.
2. Western Ghats is older than the Himalaya mountains.
3. Western Ghats traverses through only five states in India.
4. The peak of Anamudi in Tamil Nadu is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Western Ghats traverses the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight hotspots of biological diversity in the world. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • According to UNESCO, the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Anamudi is a mountain located in Ernakulam district and Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and in South India. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements:

1. Shola forest-grassland ecosystem is characterized by patches of forest of stunted evergreen shola trees in the valleys and are found only in Tamil Nadu.
2. Exotic invasive trees like pine, acacia and eucalyptus are largely seen in Shola forests.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Shola forests are tropical Montane forests found in the valleys separated by rolling grasslands only in the higher elevations. They are found only in South India in the Southern Western Ghats. The Shola forests are generally said to be found in altitudes above 2000 metres of sea-level. Shola forests are a native only to the Southern Western Ghats. They are found only in the high-altitude mountains of the states Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Exotic invasive trees like pine, acacia and eucalyptus are largely seen in Shola forests. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

5. Which of the following are the key elements that lead to variation in the physical and chemical conditions of different habitats?

1. Temperature
2. Pathogens
3. Soil
4. Predators
5. Competitors
6. Light

How many of the above options are correct?

(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All six

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The most important key elements that lead to so much variation in the physical and chemical conditions of different habitats ones are temperature, water, light and soil. We must remember that the physico-chemical (abiotic) components alone do not characterise the habitat of an organism completely; the habitat includes biotic components also – pathogens, parasites, predators and competitors – of the organism with which they interact constantly. Hence, all are correct.