Ans : (a) Ecology is the scientific study of the

ECOLOGY & ECOSYSTEM interactions between living organisms, including

humans, and their physical environment. It explores
❖ ECOLOGY the intricate relationships between plants, animals,
Q.01. Who of the following used the term 'deep and the world around them, seeking to understand the
ecology' for the first time? delicate balance of ecosystems. Ecology also provides
(a) E.P. Odum (b) C. Raunkiaer valuable insights into the benefits of these ecosystems
(c) F.E. Clements (d) Arne Naess and how we can sustainably utilize Earth's resources to
ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Ans : (d) In 1973, Norwegian philosopher and
Ramdeo Misra, a renowned Indian scientist, is widely
mountaineer Arne Naess introduced the phrase "Deep
regarded as the father of ecology in India
Ecology" to environmental literature. The word deep in
part referred to the level of questioning of our Q.05. Ecology takes into account of:
purposes and values when arguing in environmental (a) Environmental factors only
conflicts. (b) Effects of plants on environment
Q.02. Which of the following is the largest ecological (c) Plant adaptation
unit ? (d) Relationship between organism and their
environment
(a) Organism (b) Population
(c) Biome (d) Ecosystem Ans : (d) Ecology is the study of the interactions
between living organisms and their physical
Ans. (c) : A "Biome" is a plant and animal community surroundings.
that covers a large geographical area. The boundaries
• It encompasses the relationships between plants,
of different biomes on land are determined mainly by
animals, and the environment, including factors like
climate. Therefore, a biome can be defined as the total
climate, soil, and water.
assemblage of plant and animal species interacting
within specific conditions. These include rainfall, • While environmental factors, plant adaptations, and
temperature, humidity and soil conditions. the effects of plants on the environment are all
important aspects of ecology,
Some of the major biomes of the world are :
the overarching focus is on the interconnectedness of
( forest, grassland, desert and tundra biomes )
organisms and their habitats.
Biomes can be classified into three types,
Q.06. Ecology is the study of-
• namely terrestrial,
(a) Earth
• fresh water biomes
• and marine biomes (b) Environment
➢ Terrestrial biomes : It is include grasslands, deserts, (c) Space
➢ tropical forest : It is Fresh water biomes include (d) Sky
large lakes, tropical and sub tropical coaster rivers. Ans : (b) Ecology is the study of the relationships
➢ Marine biomes : include continental shelves, between living organisms and their physical
tropical coral and kelp forests. surroundings. It focuses on how organisms interact
Q.03. The concept of 'Ecological Transition' was first with each other and their environment, including
used by factors like climate, soil, and water. While Earth, space,
(a) Elton (b) Bennett and the sky are all relevant to ecology, the specific focus
(c) Berkeley (d) Ratzel is on the environment and its impact on living things.

Ans : (b) "The term 'Ecological Transition' was first Q.07. The entire sequence of communities, that
coined by Bennett to describe the shift in human- successively change in a given area are called as
nature relationships from one of harmony and (a) Ecological succession
interdependence to a more dominant and exploitative (b) Sere
stance. This transition originated in the Western (c) Community dynamics
Renaissance but has subsequently become a defining (d) Pyramid of biomass
characteristic of civilizations and nations worldwide."
Ans : (b) The entire sequence of communities that
Q.04. ‘Ecology’ is the study of relationship between- successively change in a given area are called as sere.
(a) Organism and Environment The individual transitional communities are termed
(b) Man and Forest seral stages or seral communities.
(c) Soil and Water
(d) Husband and Wife

ECOLOGY 1 Civil Ki Goli

Q.08. The actual location or place where an organism Q.11. In, lichen, a chlorophyll-containing partner,
lives is called ______ live together.
(a) Habitat (b) Ecosystem (a) Aungus and a bacterium
(c) Niche (d) Biome (b) Algae and a virus
Ans : (a) The surroundings, where animals live are (c) Algae and a fungus
called their habitat. Habitat means a dwelling place. (d) More than one of the above
The main components of habitat are shelter, water, Ans : (c) Lichen is symbiotic relationship of algae and
food and space. The organism depends on their habitat fungus where algae is chlorophyll containing partner of
for their food, water, air, shelter and other needs. fungus. The fungus provide shelter, water and minerals
Q.09. The natural place of an organism or community is to algae. In return, the algae provides food which is
known as- prepared by it through photosynthesis.
(a) Niche (b) Biome Q.12. With reference to ecological niche, which of the
(c) Habitat (d) Habit following statements is/are correct?
Ans : (c) A habitat is a place where an organism makes 1. It represents the range of conditions that it
its home. A habitat meets all the environmental can tolerate the resources it utilizes and its
conditions an organism needs to survive. functional role in ecological system.
For an animal : habitat means everything it needs to 2. Each species has a distinct niche.
find and gather food, select a mate, and successfully Select the correct answer from the code given below:
reproduce.
Code:
• For a plant : a good habitat must provide the right
(a) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Both 1 and 2
combination of light, air, water, and soil.
(c) Only 2 (d) Only 1
• The main components of habitat are shelter, water,
food, and space. A habitat is said to have a proper Ans : (b) The term ecological niche describes the role of
arrangement when it has the correct amount of all of an organism, which it plays in a community. Species
these. niche encompasses both the physical and
environmental conditions it requires, like temperature
Q.10. Which steps of taxons are followed for
or terrain and the interactions it has with other species,
classification of animals?
like predation or competition. Hence 1st statement is
(a) Species → Genus → Order → Class → Family → correct. No two species can have the exact same niche;
Phylum → Kingdom otherwise, they would be in direct competition for
(b) Kingdom → Genus → Order → Species → Phylum → resources with one another. Hence 2nd statement is
Class → Family
also correct.
(c) Genus → Species → Phylum → Class → Order →
Family → Kingdom Q.13. Homeostasis means:
(d) Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → (a) A tendency of an ecosystem to resist change and to
Genus → Species remain in a state of equilibrium
Ans : (d) The steps of taxons followed for classification (b) A property of an ecosystem to withstand all kinds of
of animals are-: environmental changes
Kingdom → Phylum→ class→ order→ family → Genus (c) A characteristic of an ecosystem to convert into
→ species. changes of pollution
Kingdom : It comprises various phyla, is the highest (d) An ecosystem never respond to environmental
category, and has the fewest characters in common. change
Kingdom animals comprises of protozoa, cnidaria, Ans : (a) Maintenance of a constant internal
hemichordates and chordates. environment by the organisms is known as
As we move from : - homeostasis. Homeostasis is a term coined to
Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → describe the physical and chemical parameters
Genus → Species., the number of similar characters that an organism must maintain to allow the
increases. proper functioning of its component cells, tissues,
It is a higher category and comprises related classes. organs and organ systems. It is often seen as a
In animals, classes such as mammalian saves, reptiles, resistance to changes in the external environment,
and amphibians come under the phylum Chordata. furthermore, Homeostasis is a self regulating process
In the case of plants, the phyla are known as division. that regulates internal variables necessary to sustain
life.

ECOLOGY 2 Civil Ki Goli

Q.14. The maintenance of a constant internal Ans : (d) The equatorial forest region is found on both
environment is called_______. sides of the equator and falls in the Torrid Zone. The
(a) Symbiosis (b) Heterobeltiosis climate is hot and wet in this region as it receives direct
(c) Homeostasis (d) Commensalisms rays of sun throughout the year. Tall, closely set trees
are characteristics of equatorial forest. The upper
Ans : (c) The maintenance of a constant internal
portion of canopy often supports rich epiphytes (a
environment is called homeostasis
plant that grows on other plant). Many animals such as
• The term homeostasis was given by Walter B Cannon. monkey, chimpanzees, flying box, flying squirrels,
He was an American psychologist and physician. crocodile alligators, snakes, turtles, anacondas,
• It is a dynamic process that enables optimum macaws, parrots and hummingbirds are found in
conditions to be maintained for constituent cells. equatorial forest region.
• It involves all systems of the human body such as the
Q.18. Consider the following States:
endocrine, nervous, respiratory & renal systems.
• It is the ability to maintain an internal state of 1. Arunachal Pradesh
equilibrium. 2. Himachal Pradesh
• An organism in homeostasis adapts to changed 3. Mizoram
environmental conditions by adjusting its internal In which of the following states do “Tropical Wet
physiological state. For example, in cooler countries, Evergreen Forests” occur?
additional energy is required to maintain a warm (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
body temperature.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
• Homeostasis is necessary because the body cells need
to have suitable conditions around them for proper Ans : (c) In tropical evergreen forest trees remain green
functioning. throughout the year.
• These conditions include the presence of a proper • There is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves,
concentration of chemicals, proper temperature, and flower, and fruition.
a suitable pH (degree of salinity or acidity), etc. inside • They are classified into tropical wet (moist)
its cells. evergreen, Semi-evergreen, and Dry evergreen.
Q.15. Phytotron is a facility to – Tropical Wet Evergreen forest :
(a) Grow plants under disease-free conditions • In India, evergreen forests are found on the eastern
(b) Conserve endangered species of plants and western slopes of the Western Ghats in such
states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and
(c) Grow plants under controlled conditions
Maharashtra. And also found in Assam, Arunachal
(d) Induce mutations Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal
Ans : (c) A Phytotron is a facility to grow plants under and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
controlled condition. It is an enclosed research They are found in hot and humid areas.
greenhouse used for studying interactions between  Precipitation: >250 cm
plants and the environment.  Mean annual temperature <25 degree Celsius
Q.16. In which of the following ecosystems the species  Humidity >80%
diversity is relatively higher? • Tropical evergreen forests are well stratified, with
(a) Deep sea (b) Tropical rain forest layers closer to the ground covered with shrubs and
(c) Coral reefs (d) Desert creepers, followed by short structured trees and a tall
variety of trees.
Ans : (b) The tropical rain forests have the largest
• Trees can reach up to a height of 60m or above.
terrestrial biodiversity coral reefs are known as tropical
• They are rich in biodiversity (Rich in flora and fauna).
rainforest of oceans.
• Fine-grained and durable timber is produced in these
Q.17. Which of the following is/are unique forests
characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
Q.19. Which one of the following has an evergreen
1. Presence of tall closely set trees with crowns forming forest?
a continuous canopy
(a) Malwa Plateau (b) Eastern Ghats
2. Co-existence of a large number of species
(c) Western Ghats (d) Chotanagpur Plateau
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Ans : (c) In India, Tropical Evergreen forests are found
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
in the Western Slopes of the Western Ghats in states
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
such as Kerala and Karnataka.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

ECOLOGY 3 Civil Ki Goli

The Eastern Slope of Western Ghats is on the leeward the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes
side and receives a low amount of rainfall. Hence, this generates. It is measured in Global Hectare.
site has mostly Tropical Moist Deciduous forests.
The following are the principal types of natural
vegetation in India:
• Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests
• Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests
• Dry Deciduous Forests and Scrubs
• Semi Desert and Desert Vegetation
• Tidal or Mangrove Forests
Q.20. In India, in which one of the following types of
forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands
Ans : (a) Tropical moist deciduous forests are
distributed in states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Q.23. Which among the following is the unit of
Odisha and on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats. measurement of the "Ecological Footprint"?
Characteristics of tropical deciduous forests : (a) Global Hectare (b) Gallon Per Capita
• They are also called Monsoon Forests. (c) Cubic Meter (d) Man Hour
• Rainfall is in the range of 100-200 cms.
Ans : (a) Ecological Footprint is the quantity of nature
• The trees shed their leaves during the spring season.
it took to support People or an economy.
• Teak is the most dominant species of this forest while
• Global Hectare is the unit of measurement of
Bamboos, Sal, Shisham, sandalwood, Kusum, Arjun,
"Ecological Footprint".
Mahua, and mulberry are other commercially
important species. • The Global Hectare is represented as gha.
• India has an Ecological Footprint of 1.12 global
Teak : Teak is one of the most important timber trees of
hectares.
India and Southeast Asia.
• The Idea of Ecological Footprint was given by William
The most important teak forests in India are in → Rees in 1992.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Q.24. Ecological footprint is a method of gauging the:
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
(a) Biodiversity of region
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh.
(b) Human dependence on natural resources
Q.21. In which of the following continents, the tropical (c) Volume of human migration
deciduous forests are most extensive?
(d) Amount of carbon dioxide emitted
(a) Africa (b) Asia
Ans : (b) Ecological footprint is a method of gauging
(c) Australia (d) South America
humans’ dependence on natural resources by
Ans : (b) The most extensive tropical deciduous forests calculating how much of the environment is needed to
are found in Asia These forests are widespread in sustain a particular lifestyle. In other words, it
countries like India, Thailand, and parts of Southeast measures the demand versus the supply of nature.
Asia, where they experience a tropical monsoon The ecological footprint is one way of measuring
climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. sustainability, which refers to the ability of a population
Q.22. The unit to measure ‘Ecological Footprint’ is: to support itself in the present without compromising
(a) Global Hectare (b) Nanometer that ability for the future. Environmental sustainability
(c) Hopes cubic feet (d) Cubic ton occurs when a population can support a particular
lifestyle indefinitely while still meeting the demands
Ans : (a) Ecological footprint measures and individual placed on an environment. An example of
or population's demand for natural ecosystems supply environmental sustainability is producing an amount of
of resources and services. Ecological footprint is impact pollution that the environment can handle.
of human activities measured in terms of the area of
biologically productive and water required to produce

ECOLOGY 4 Civil Ki Goli

Q.25. The minimum area of the land required to resources, environmental problems from faulty mining
completely sustain the life of the person is called his- practices, industrial and atmospheric pollution.
(a) Biota footprint (b) Ecological footprint Lumbering which is the felling of trees for timber has
(c) Biome (d) Niche been identified as one of the primary occupations that
lead to deforestation.
Ans : (b) The minimum area of the land required to
completely sustain the life of one person is called his Q.29. Which of the following statements is correct
Ecological Footprint. about Synecology?
• The Ecological Footprint is the only metric that (a) It is the study of relations of the different
measures how much nature a person has and how communities with the environment
much nature he uses. (b) It is the study of complex traditional relationships
• It is accounting that measures the demand on and of bio communities
supply of nature. (c) This is basically the natural habitat ecology
• It measures the ecological assets that a given (d) It is mainly social ecology
population or product requires to produce the natural Ans : (b) "Synecology" is the study of group of
resources it consumes (including plant-based food organisms in relation to their environment. It is
and fibre products, livestock and fish products, concerned with study of the highest level of biological
timber and other forest products, space for urban organization. It is also called as community ecology.
infrastructure) and to absorb its waste, especially Q.30. Which of the following factors are included in
carbon emissions. chemical environment?
• The Ecological Footprint tracks the use of productive
(A) Temperature and soil
surface areas
(B) Water and soil
Typically these areas are cropland, grazing land, fishing
grounds, built-up land, forest area, and carbon demand (C) Vegetation and water
on land. (D) Human functions and Biological components Which
of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q.26. “Ecology is permanent economy” is the slogan of
which movement ? (a) Only (A) and (B) (b) Only (B)
(a) Appiko Movement (c) Only (C) and (D) (d) None of the above
(b) Narmada Bachao Andolan Ans : (c) factors included in chemical environment are
(c) Chipko Movement vegetation and water, Human functions and Biological
components.
(d) None of the above
Q.31. Which of the following is important for
Ans : (c) "Ecology is the permanent economy" is the
speciation?
slogan of Chipko movement. The slogan was coined by
Sundaralal Bahuguna. The Chipko movement was a (a) Seasonal isolation
non-violent agitation in 1973 that was aimed at (b) Reproductive isolation
protection and conservation of trees. It originated in (c) Behavioral isolation
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in 1973. (d) Temporal isolation
Q.27. Which one of the following is one of the main Ans : (b) Speciation is the process within evolution that
causes of ecological imbalance in India? leads to the formation of new, distinct species that are
(a) Deforestation (b) Desertification reproductively isolated from one another.
(c) Floods and famines (d) Rainfall variations Reproductive isolation is important for speciation.
Ans : (a) Deforestation is the root cause of ecological Q.32. Which of the following indicator species are not
imbalance in India, found in Srivenkateshwara National Park of Andhra
while other options can contribute to ecological Pradesh?
imbalance, deforestation is often considered the most (a) Wood stork
significant and far-reaching cause in India (b) Cycas beddomei
Q.28. Which of the following is an act that disturbs the (c) Red sanders
ecological balance? (d) Slender loris
(a) Lumbering (b) Social Forestry Ans : (a) Wood stork indicator species are not found in
(c) Van mahotsav (d) Afforestation Srivenkateshwara National Park of Andhra Pradesh.
Ans : (a) Main factors responsible for ecological Cycas beddomei, Pretocarpus santalinus (Red sanders),
imbalance in India are degradation of land and soil Slender loris, Golden gecko are important indicator
erosion, deforestation, faulty utilization of water species of Srivenkateshwara National Park.

ECOLOGY 5 Civil Ki Goli

 ❖ ENVIRONMENT & COMPONENT indefinitely on available resources. Hence (b) is the
Q.33. Environment Protection Act (EPA) is also known correct answer.
as: Q.38. Which of the following is the largest ecosystem of
(a) Umbrella Legislation (b) Chhadi Mubarak the earth?
(c) Environment Legislation (d) Eco Safety Law (a) Hydrosphere (b) Biome
Ans : (a) In wake of the Bhopal tragedy, the (c) Lithosphere (d) Biosphere
Government of India enacted Environment (Protection) Ans : (d) Biosphere is the largest ecosystem of earth.
Act, 1986 as umbrella legislation designed to The biosphere is made up of parts of earth where life
coordination the environmental activities between exists. The biosphere extends from the deepest root
Central and State Governments, which were earlier systems of trees to the dark environment of ocean
dealt with laws such as Water Act, Air Act etc. trenches, to lush rain forests and high mountaintops.
Q.34. Low nutritious concentration reservoir is found Q.39. Which of the following trees is dangerous for
in- environment?
(a) Littoral zone (b) Oligotrophic zone (a) Banana (b) Eucalyptus
(c) Neritic zone (d) Floor zone (c) Babool (d) Neem
Ans : (b) Reservoirs are those water bodies formed or Ans : (b) Eucalyptus tree is considered to be
modified by human activity for specific purposes in environmental hazard. These trees are dangerous for
order to provide a reliable and controllable resource. environment.
Their main use include:- drinking and municipal water trees like banana, neem, and babool don't have a
supply, industrial and cooling water supply, power negative impact on the environment
generation, agricultural irrigation, river regulation and Effect of a Eucalyptus tree on the environment :
flood control, commercial and recreational fisheries
• It depletes the nutrients and moisture reserves of the
etc. Oligotrophic zone has very low nutritious
soil and inhibits the undergrowth due to allelopathic
concentration.
properties.
Q.35. In which environment the annual production of • It replaced indigenous forests in several parts of the
bio-mass is minimal? world.
(a) Deep ocean (b) Prairie • depleting food and shelter sources and therefore
(c) Deciduous forest (d) Taiga affecting animals and birds.
Ans : (a) Under deep ocean, the annual production of • The natural oils of the eucalyptus tree make it
bio-mass is minimum as compared to the other options extremely flammable.
given. • Eucalyptus trees are native of Australia

Q.36. Which one of the following ecosystem has Q.40. Which one of the following tree is considered to
maximum plant bio mass? be an environmental hazard?
(a) Tropical deciduous forest (a) Babul (b) Amaltas
(b) Tropical rain forest (c) Neem (d) Eucalyptus
(c) Temperate deciduous forest Ans : (d) Eucalyptus trees are known to consume large
(d) Deserts shrubs amounts of water, which can deplete groundwater
levels, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. They
Ans : (b) Biomass is organic material that comes from also tend to outcompete native plant species, leading
plants and animals and it is a renewable source of to biodiversity loss in some ecosystems. For these
energy. As discussed earlier, tropical rain forest reasons, eucalyptus is sometimes considered an
provides maximum biomass. environmental concern when introduced to non-native
Q.37. The number of organisms that can be supported areas.
by the environment in a given area is known as: trees like banana, neem, and babool don't have a
(a) Population negative impact on the environment
(b) Carrying Capacity Effect of a Eucalyptus tree on the environment :
(c) Pyramid of number or biomass • It depletes the nutrients and moisture reserves of the
(d) Non of These soil and inhibits the undergrowth due to allelopathic
properties.
Ans : (b) Carrying capacity is the maximum population
size of a species that the environment can sustain • It replaced indigenous forests in several parts of the
world.

ECOLOGY 6 Civil Ki Goli

• depleting food and shelter sources and therefore He was an American field biologist and zoologist who
affecting animals and birds. introduced the idea of a niche as the habitat or
• The natural oils of the eucalyptus tree make it environmental conditions in which a species lives.
extremely flammable. Later, the concept was further developed by others like
• Eucalyptus trees are native of Australia Charles Elton and G. Evelyn Hutchinson, expanding its
meaning to include not just the habitat but also the role
Q.41. Which of the following forests is known as the
or function a species plays in an ecosystem.
“lungs of the planet earth”?
(a) Taiga forest Q.45. In the ecosystem the durable bio group is called-
(a) Ecotone (b) Succession
(b) Tundra forest
(c) Climax (d) Siril
(c) Amazon rain forest
(d) Rain forest of North –East India Ans : (a) In the ecosystem, the durable bio group is
called "Ecotone". An ecotone is an area that acts as a
Ans : (c) Amazon rainforests are often called the "lungs boundary or a transition between two ecosystems.
of the planet" because they generally draw in carbon Examples of ecotone are marshlands (between dry and
dioxide and breathe out oxygen. However, the amount wet ecosystems), mangrove forests (between
of carbon dioxide they absorb or produce varies hugely terrestrial and marine ecosystems), grasslands
with year-to-year variations in the climate. (between desert and forest) and estuaries (between
Q.42. In the marine environment, the main primary saltwater and freshwater).
producers are: Q.46. Which of the following is not an example of an
(a) Phyto Planktons Ecotone :
(b) Seaweeds (a) River Bank (b) Teak Forest
(c) Marine Angiosperms (c) Mangroves (d) Marshland
(d) Aquatic Bryophytes Ans : (b) An ecotone is a transition zone between two
Ans : (a) Phytoplankton serves as the major primary ecosystems. River banks, mangroves, and marshlands
producers in the marine ecosystem. These microscopic are all examples of ecotones, as they represent
single celled plants, bacteria, algae and other transitions between different environments (e.g., land
organisms harvest sunlight through photosynthesis and and water, freshwater and saltwater).
store it as chemical energy before becoming food for Teak forest is not an ecotone. It is a specific type of
tiny creatures called zooplankton. The zooplankton forest dominated by teak trees. It does not represent a
falls prey to larger animals like small fish and jellyfish transition between two distinct ecosystems.
and these in turn become meals for larger fish, squids,
Q.47. The transitional area between two living
sharks and marine mammals. The phytoplankton rest
organism is known as-
at the bottom of these food chains because all the
energy used by these larger organisms comes from (a) Ecozone (b) Ecophos
them. (c) Ecotone (d) Ecotype
Q.43. Which of the following tree is not Eco Friendly? Ans : (c) The transitional area between two living
(a) Babul (b) Eucalyptus organisms is known as Ecotone.
(c) Neem (d) Pipal Ecozone : Ecozone is the broadest biogeographic
division of Earth's land surface.
Ans : (b) Eucalyptus is known for its fast growth and
high water consumption, which can deplete • They are subdivided into ecoregions, which are
groundwater resources. classified based on their biomes or habitat types
It also produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the Ecophos : EcoPhos is a Belgian based technology-
growth of other plants around it, reducing biodiversity. related solutions provider
These factors make it less environmentally friendly Ecotype : A distinctive form or race of a plant or animal
compared to other trees like Babul, Neem, and Pipal. species occupying a particular habitat.
Q.44. The concept of ecological niche was enunciated • In evolutionary ecology, an ecotype is sometimes
by- called ecospecies.
(a) Greenels (b) Darwin • It is genotypically adapted to specific environmental
conditions.
(c) E. Rodum (d) C.C.Park
Q.48. The transitional zone between two distinct
Ans : (a) The concept of the ecological niche was
communities is known as:
actually enunciated by Joseph Grinnell in 1917.
(a) Ecotype (b) Ecade
(c) Ecosphere (d) Ecotone

ECOLOGY 7 Civil Ki Goli

Ans : (d) The transitional zone between two distinct • A niche includes: the role the species plays (e.g. A
communities is known as Ecotone pollinator, a decomposer), the food it eats, where it
Ecotone, a transitional area of vegetation between two lives, where it reproduces, and its interactions with
different plant communities, such as forest and other species
grassland. It has some of the characteristics of each • In such difficult situations, one species may adopt a
bordering biological community and often contains few alternative paths i.e.
species not found in the overlapping communities. ➢ Either one species may migrate to a new niche
➢ May become extinct
Q.49. Which one of the following terms describes not
➢ May change physiological behaviour for the
only the physical space occupied by an organism, but
competition of the same resources.
also its functional role in the community of organisms?
• The process of minimization of competition for
(a) Ecotone (b) Ecological niche
resources is called ‘Resource Partition’ which can
(c) Habitat (d) Home range allow several species to utilize different parts of the
Ans : (b) The functional characteristic of a species in its same resource and coexist within a single habitat.
habitat is referred as "Niche". Each species has a • Dominant species occupy an extensive and broader
distinct niche. The concept of ecological niche was ecological niche in comparison to less dominant
enunciated by Joseph Grinnell. The term niche means species.
the sum of all the activities and relationships of a Q.51. Which is the most stable ecosystem?
species by which it uses the resources in its habitat for
(a) Marine (b) Forest
its survival and reproduction. The most important
resources available in the niches of animals are food (c) Mountain (d) Desert
and shelter while in case of plants, they are moisture Ans : (a) A main characteristic of a stable ecosystem is
and nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen). biodiversity. The more diverse an ecosystem is, more
Q.50. With reference to ecological niche, which of the resilient. If the ecosystem can recover fast and continue
following statements is/are correct? to function after something happens, it can be
considered stable. Marine ecosystem is stable in their
1. It represents the range of conditions that it can
chemical composition due to being saline. In addition,
tolerate the resources it utilizes and its functional role
dissolved oxygen, temperature of the ocean remains
in ecological system
more or less constant compared to other ecosystems.
2. Each species has a distinct niche. Hence marine ecosystem is most stable ecosystem.
Select the correct answer from the code given below: Marine ecosystem is the largest ecosystem.
Code Q.52. Which one of the following is the largest
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2 ecosystem in word ?
(c) Only 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Desert ecosystem (b) Grassland ecosystem
Ans : (b) Ecological niche : The term ecological niche (c) Ocean ecosystem (d) Forest ecosystem
was developed by Charles Elton. Ans : (c) The World Ocean is the largest existing
• Ecological niche may be defined as ‘the functional ecosystem on our planet. Covering over 71% of the
role and position (micro-habitat) of species in its Earth's surface, it's a source of livelihood for over 3
ecosystem, including what resources it uses, how and billion people.
when it uses the resources, and how it interacts with • An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in
other species. Hence, statement 1 is correct. conjunction with the nonliving components of their
• The ecosystem stability depends upon the diversity of environment, interacting as a system. An ecosystem
the niche. can be as small as a pond or as large as a rainforest.
• The greater the niche diversity, the more is ecosystem • Ecosystems are analyzed and studied as unique
stability because of the larger number of pathways entities. However, all ecosystems feature an energy
for the flow of energy and less fluctuation of the input such as the sun's heat which keeps life in the
species population. system going. The oceans are the world's largest
• Sometimes it becomes difficult for two species to ecosystems and are considered to cover the shore as
inhabit the same niche. far as tidal waters come in.
➢ In such cases the ‘Law of Competitive Exclusion’ • The ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of
works, which states that no two species will occupy ecology where the living organisms interact with each
the same niche and compete for exactly the same other and the surrounding environment. In other
resources in the same habitat for very long. words, an ecosystem is a chain of interaction between
➢ Each species has a distinct niche. Hence, statement organisms and their environment.
2 is correct.

ECOLOGY 8 Civil Ki Goli

• The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, 5. Desert ecosystem
an English botanist, in 1935. 6. Cropland ecosystem
• An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, The ocean ecosystem is the largest ecosystem of the
or as big as an ocean, spanning thousands of miles. world as it covers 70 percent of earth’s geographical
• The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the area.
organization of both biotic and abiotic components.
Q.55. Given below are two statements, one is labelled
• This includes the distribution of energy in our
as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R).
environment. It also includes the climatic conditions
prevailing in that particular environment. Assertion (A) : Various components of an ecosystem are
non interdependent.
Q.53. Which one of the following ecosystems covers
Reason (R) : Human activities have the impacts on the
the largest area of the earth’s surface?
environment.
(a) Desert Ecosystem (b) Grassland Ecosystem
Choose the correct answer from the code given below.
(c) Mountain Ecosystem (d) Marine Ecosystem
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
Ans : (d) An ecosystem is a geographic area where explanation of (A)
plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as (b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
weather and landscape, work together to form a explanation of (A)
bubble of life. (c) (A) is true but (R) is false
• Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as (d) (A) is false but (R) is true
abiotic factors, or nonliving parts. Ans : (d) Direct causes of deforestation are loss of
• Abiotic factors include rocks, temperature, and biodiversity, soil erosion and global climate change.
humidity. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and Species invasion is not at all related to deforestation.
other organisms.
Q.56. In ecosystem terminology, who are the major
• An ecosystem can be broadly categorized into
producers in a terrestrial ecosystem?
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
(a) Human beings
Marine ecosystem :
(b) Phytoplankton
• Marine ecosystems are usually characterized by the
presence of salt content. (c) Herbaceous and woody plants
• These ecosystems have a higher salt content than the (d) All the given options
freshwater ecosystem. Ans : (c) Herbaceous and woody plants are the major
• Moreover, they are known as the largest type of producers in a terrestrial ecosystem. Herbaceous and
ecosystem on Earth. woody plants are present in the terrestrial ecosystem.
• It usually includes all the oceans and their parts. Herbaceous plants have very flexible stems. Woody
• Besides, marine ecosystems have distinctive flora and plants include trees and shrubs. They convert solar
fauna, which support greater biodiversity than energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis in
freshwater ecosystems. which carbon dioxide and water are used in presence
• This type of ecosystem is essential for both marine of sunlight to synthesize nutrients. Such carbohydrates
and terrestrial environments. in the form of glucose releases oxygen into the
• Oceans is stable ecosystems since it stays unchanged atmosphere.
over the long term. Q.57. Which one of the following is not a sub category
• Various natural geological and anthropogenic forces of terrestrial ecosystem?
build and damage mountains, deserts, and forests but (a) Mountain ecosystem (b) Marine ecosystem
oceans have remained stable over the long history of
(c) Lowland ecosystem (d) Semi-arid ecosystem
the Earth.
Ans : (b) On the basis of many classification schemes
Q.54. Which one of the following is the largest
developed over time, there are six types of terrestrial
ecosystem of the world?
ecosystems. These include taiga, tundra, deciduous
(a) Ocean (b) Grassland forest, grasslands, tropical rain forests and deserts.
(c) Forest (d) Mountains Mountain, Lowland and Semi- Arid ecosystem are sub
Ans : (a) Six major ecosystems of the world are : – categories of terrestrial ecosystem.
1. Fresh water ecosystem Q.58. The environment modified by human activities is
2. Marine (ocean) ecosystem called
3. Grassland ecosystem (a) Natural environment
4. Forest ecosystem (b) Anthropogenic environment

ECOLOGY 9 Civil Ki Goli

(c) Urban environment • On Earth, the primary source of energy comes from
(d) Modern environment the sun.
Ans : (b) The environment modified by human activities • Sunlight carries an astonishingly high concentration
is called Anthropogenic environment. of the kind of energy known as photons, called solar
energy.
Q.59. Which of the following components of the • A portion of the solar energy that a plant absorbs
ecosystem acts as intermediary between biotic and during photosynthesis is then used to create new
abiotic kingdoms? chemical bonds as the plant continues to mature.
(a) Producer (b) Consumer • When burning, plant products like wood break the
(c) Decomposer (d) The habitat bonds and release energy such as heat and light.
Ans : (a) There are two components of ecosystems Q.62. Driving force for an ecosystem is:
namely "Biotic" and "Abiotic" component. Biotic (a) Solar energy (b) Vegetation
component includes biotic factors such as producers, (c) Producers (d) Biomass
consumers, decomposers etc. Producer includes green
plants. Abiotic component includes light, water, soil Ans : (a) In an ecosystem, solar energy is trapped by
nutrient etc. The driving force of ecosystem is solar producers by the process of photosynthesis.
energy. Solar energy is directly utilized by producers to This energy is now provided to all other organisms of
prepare their food and all other organisms are directly different tropic levels.
or indirectly depend on plants for food. Thus producer Also, note that only 10% of the energy is transferred
act as intermediary between biotic and abiotic from lower to upper trophic level. Hence by this fact,
components. the number of trophic levels is restricted. (The trophic
Q.60. Which of the following is not a biotic component level of an organism is the position it occupies in a food
of the ecosystem? web)
(a) Plants (b) Bacteria At each trophic, a part of the available energy is lost in
respiration or used up in metabolism.
(c) Animal (d) Air
Q.63. Which of the following components of ecosystem
Ans : (d) Abiotic factors refer to non-living physical and
acts as intermediatory between biotic and abiotic
chemical elements in the ecosystem.
components?
• Abiotic resources are usually obtained from the
(a) Parasite (b) Decomposers
lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
• Examples of abiotic factors are water, air, soil, (c) Producers (d) Consumers
sunlight, and minerals. Ans : (c) Producers or autotrophs are the connectors or
Biotic factors are living or once-living organisms in the intermediary organisms linking the other organisms
ecosystem. with the abotic components of the environment.
• These are obtained from the biosphere and are Q.64. Among the biotic component of the ecosystem,
capable of reproduction. the producer system is –
• Examples of biotic factors are animals, birds, plants, (a) Cow (b) Peacock
fungi, and other similar organisms. (c) Tiger (d) Green plants
Ans : (d) Biotic Components : Biotic components
include living organisms comprising plants, animals,
and microbes and are classified according to their
functional attributes into producers and consumers.
Primary producers - Autotrophs (self-nourishing):
• Primary producers are basically green plants (and
certain bacteria and algae).
• They synthesize carbohydrates from simple inorganic
Q.61. The primary source of energy in Eco-body is- raw materials like carbon dioxide and water in the
presence of sunlight by the process of photosynthesis
(a) Energy emitted by fermentation
for themselves and supply indirectly to other
(b) Preserved vegetable sugar nonproducers.
(c) Solar energy • In a terrestrial ecosystem, producers are basically
(d) None of the above herbaceous and woody plants, while in the aquatic
Ans : (c) ecosystem producers are various species of
microscopic algae.

ECOLOGY 10 Civil Ki Goli

Q.65. What is true about ecosystem? Q.67. Which one of the following is not a biotic
(a) Primary consumers are least dependent upon component of an ecosystem?
producer (a) Air (b) Plant
(b) Primary consumers are out-number producers (c) Bacteria (d) Animals
(c) Producers are more than primary consumers
Ans : (a) Abiotic factors refer to non-living physical and
(d) Secondary consumers are the largest and most
chemical elements in the ecosystem.
powerful
• Abiotic resources are usually obtained from the
Ans : (c) Ecosystem is formed by the interaction of biotic lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
and abiotic components present in the environment. It
• Examples of abiotic factors are water, air, soil,
is a open system, because both matter and energy are
sunlight, and minerals.
exchanged between the system and its surrounding
Biotic factors are living or once-living organisms in the
environment. In an ecosystem food availability is the
ecosystem.
main factor. As we move for one trophic level to next
trophic level in food chain the number of organisms • These are obtained from the biosphere and are
generally decrease. Thus primary producers capable of reproduction.
outnumber the primary consumers which in turn • Examples of biotic factors are animals, birds, plants,
outnumber secondary consumers and secondary fungi, and other similar organisms.
consumers and secondary consumers outnumber the Q.68. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems,
tertiary consumers. which of the following kinds of organism is/are known
Q.66. Which one of the following is not true about the as decomposer organism/ organisms?
eco-system? 1. Virus
(a) It represents all living organism and physical 2. Fungi
environment in any given space-time unit. 3. Bacteria
(b) It is a functional unit. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(c) It has own productivity.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(d) It is a closed system.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (d) Ecosystem, a natural resource system, the
complex of living organisms, their physical Ans : (b) Consumers are directly or indirectly
environment, and all their interrelationships in a dependent on producers for their food. Decomposers
particular unit of space. include micro-organism such as bacteria and fungi.
• An ecosystem is an open system that can be Q.69. Which one of the following is the best description
categorized into its abiotic constituents, including of the term ‘ecosystem’?
minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other (a) A community of organism interacting with one
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, another
consisting of all its living members. Hence, statement (b) That part of the Earth, which is inhabited by living
3 is incorrect. organisms
• Linking these constituents together are two major (c) A community of organisms together with the
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem, and environment in which they live
the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem. (d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area
• The fundamental source of energy in almost all
ecosystems is radiant energy from the Sun. Ans : (c) The term "Ecosystem" was first proposed by
• The energy of sunlight is used by the ecosystem’s A.G. Tansley in 1935. Ecosystem is defined as a system
autotrophic, or self-sustaining, organisms. Consisting formed by the community and the environment.
largely of green vegetation, these organisms are Ecosystem is an interacting unit that includes both
capable of photosynthesis i.e., they can use the biological community as well as non living components
energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and of an area. The living and non living components of an
water into simple, energy-rich carbohydrates. ecosystem interact among themselves and function as
a unit, which gets evident during the process of energy
• The autotrophs use the energy stored within the
flow, decomposition, productivity and nutrient cycling.
simple carbohydrates to produce the more complex
The few examples of ecosystems are ponds, forest,
organic compounds, such as proteins, lipids, and
grassland etc. Crop fields and an aquarium may also be
starches, that maintain the organisms’ life processes.
considered as man-made ecosystems. They are called
• The autotrophic segment of the ecosystem is
as "Anthropogenic Biome".
commonly referred to as the producer level.

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Q.70. The term "Ecosystem" was coined by Q.73. Which of the following is an artificial ecosystem?
(a) E.P. Odum (b) Arthur G. Tansley (a) Rice field (b) Forest
(c) Charles Darwin (d) Stephen Hawking (c) Grassland (d) Lake
Ans : (b) Arthur George Tansley, a British ecologist, Ans : (a) Ecosystem : An ecosystem can be visualised as
coined the term "ecosystem" in 1935. He emphasized a functional unit of nature, where living organisms
(producers, consumers, and decomposers) interact
the interconnectedness of living organisms (biotic
among themselves and also with the surrounding
components) and their physical environment (abiotic physical environment.
components) as a fundamental unit of ecological study.
• An ecosystem can be of any size but usually
Q.71. Which of the following ecosystems is encompasses specific and limited species.
transformed by human? • E.g. Aquatic Ecosystem. (This is how the ecosystem is
(a) Forest (b) Desert different from Environment).
(c) Agricultural land (d) Grassland • Rice is a staple food of not only India but over half of
the world population.
Ans : (c) Agricultural land is the most extensively
• Over 3 billion people consume cereal every day.
transformed ecosystem by humans. Clearing forests,
• However, it is also one of the most water-intensive
draining wetlands, and introducing new species are just
crops.
a few of the ways humans have altered agricultural land
to suit their needs for food production. This Q.74. Environment refers to :
transformation has had significant impacts on (a) The natural world of land, water, air, plants and
biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. animals that exists around it.
While forests, deserts, and grasslands can also be (b) The sum total of conditions which surround human
affected by human activities, agricultural land has beings at a given point of time.
undergone the most extensive and direct changes due (c) The interacting system of physical, biological and
to human intervention. cultural elements which are interlinked.
(d) All the above
Q.72. Which of the following is an example of
anthropogenic biome? Ans : (d) Environment refers to all external conditions
(a) Fresh water (b) Grassland in which an organism lives. It comes from the French
word "Environ", which means to surround. It is used to
(c) Rain forest (d) Cropland
describe everything such as places, things, people,
Ans : (d) Anthropogenic biome is also known as nature etc. It also includes thing created by human
Anthromes or human biomes. beings. As per the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
They are the globally significant ecological patterns ‘Environment’ includes water, air and land and the
created by sustained interactions between humans and inter-relationship, which exists among water, air, land
ecosystems and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro
It includes- organism and property. Hence (d) is the correct answer.
• Dense settlements Q.75. Environment is a composite state of-
• Forests (a) Biotic factors (b) Physiographic factors
• Cropland (c) Abiotic factors (d) All the above
• Rangeland
Ans : (d) Environment is defined as the total planetary
• Indoor
inheritance and the totality of all the resources. It
• Aquatic includes all the biotic and abiotic factors that influence
• It is human altered form of ecosystem for sustained each other. All living things such as birds, animals,
direct human interaction with ecosystems. plants, forests and fisheries etc are biotic elements
• Biome is the collection of plants and animals that whereas air, water, land and sunlight etc are abiotic
have common characteristics for the environment elements.
they exist.
Q.76. Which of the statement is true?
• Eighteen “anthropogenic biomes” were identified
through empirical analysis of global population, land (a) Benthic refers to the floor of the sea and benthos
use, and land cover. refers to plants and animals that live there.
• It has caused many extinction of plants as well as (b) Benthos refers to the floor of the sea and benthic
animals. refers to plants and animals that live there.
(c) Benthos refers to the floor of the sea and benthic
refers to animals that live there

ECOLOGY 12 Civil Ki Goli

(d) Benthos and benthic both refer to animals that live Q.79. Some species if eliminated seriously affect the
there. ecosystem. These called
Ans : (a) The term Benthic is the lowest level of a body (a) Blue stone (b) Red stone
of water such as ocean, lake etc. It also include the (c) Yellow stone (d) Keystone
sediment surface and some sub surface layers. The Ans : (d) Some species if eliminated seriously affect the
term Benthos, also known as Benthon is the ecosystem. These are called keystone species. Keystone
community of organism that live on, in or near the species helps define an entire ecosystem, example sea
bottom of sea, river, lake etc. Hence, option (a) is otters, Bees, Large mammalian predators etc.
correct.
Q.80. Example of Lotic ecosystem is–
Q.77. Given below are two statements one is labelled
(a) Swamps (b) Ponds
as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
(c) Rivers (d) Marshy area
Assertion (A) :
Phytoplankton grow in abundance in the limnetic zone. Ans : (c) Lotic Ecosystem : Lotic ecosystem are
characterized by flowing waters. Examples including
Reason (R):
rivers, stream, brooks and springs. Here the oxygen
Limnetic zone is open water zone. Select the correct level is higher due to the continually moving waters of
answer from the code given below: the current and the water is clearer.
Code:
Q.81. Which of the following is a biotic component?
(a) (A) is false but (R) is true
(a) Soil (b) Air
(b) (A) is true but (R) is false
(c) Animal (d) Water
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A) Ans : (a) Animal is a biotic component.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct There are two components of ecosystem.
explanation of (A) (i) Biotic (ii) Abiotic
Ans : (d) The limnetic zone is the open and well-lit area The Biotic factors refer to all the living beings present
of a freestanding body of freshwater, such as a lake or in an ecosystem as-plants, animals bacteria etc. Abiotic
pond. The limnetic zone is the most photosynthetically- factors refer to all the non living components like
active zone since it is the primary habitat for planktonic physical conditions and chemical agents different gases
species. Because phytoplankton populations are and mineral nutrients. such as-air, water, soil etc.
densest here, it is the zone most heavily responsible for Q.82. Lithosphere is known as:
oxygen production within the aquatic ecosystem. (a) Abiotic component (b) Biotic component
Hence both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is a correct (c) Both (A) and (B) (d) Neither (A) nor (B)
explanation of (A).
Ans : (a) Lithosphere is known as Abiotic component
Q.78. Which of the following factors are included in Abiotic factors refers to all the non living things in
chemical environment? ecosystem.
(A) Temperature and soil
Q.83. Ecosystem is a self-regulatory and self sustained
(B) Water and soil structural and functional with the following processes:
(C) Vegetation and water (a) Productivity
(D) Human functions and Biological components Which (b) Decomposition
of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Nutrient cycling
(a) Only (A) and (B) (b) Only (B) (d) Energy flow
(c) Only (C) and (D) (d) None of the above Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Ans : (d) Environment can be defined as a sum total of (a) Only (a) (b) Only (a) and (b)
all the living and non-living elements and their effects (c) (a), (b), (c) and (d) (d) (a), (b) and (d)
that influence humans life. The environment can be
classified into two categories based of factor which are Ans : (c) Ecosystem is a self-regulatory and self
as follows – sustained structural and functional unit with following
processes
Physical Environment : include temperature, light,
precipitation, soil, vegetation, water, biological (i) Nutrient cycling (ii) Energy flow
components, human function etc. (iii) Decomposition (iv) Productivity
Chemical Environment : includes nutrients, pH, salinity Q.84. "Environment means the sum total of all
and other chemical in environment. conditions agencies and influences which affect the

ECOLOGY 13 Civil Ki Goli

development, growth, life and death of an organism, communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing
species or race". trees. Which of the following are such
Who created this definition of environment? communities/tribes?
(a) Universal Encyclopedia (a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Britanica Encyclopedia (b) Gond and Korku
(c) A. C. Tansley (c) lrula and Toda
(d) Jackis Smith (d) Sahariya and Agariya
Ans : (a) Ans. (a): "Environment means the sum total of Ans : (b) Every monsoon, the Gond and Korku tribes of
all conditions, agencies and influences which affect the Madhya Pradesh’s districts Betul and Harda
development, growth, life and death of an organism, respectively celebrate ‘Hari Jiroti’. It is a month-long
species or race. festival of greenery during which the tribals plant
A.G. Tansley coined the word 'Ecology' in 1935 as the saplings of fruit-bearing trees.
system resulting from the integration of all the living Q.89. Which of the following species on earth is known
and non living factors of the environment". as ‘Living fossil’ surviving for more than 150 billion
Q.85. The concept of environment is based on which of years?
the following? (a) Olive Ridley Turtles (b) Loggerheads
1. Environmental degradation (c) Crane (d) Keneps Ridley
2. Dimensions of totality of environment Ans : (a) Olive Ridley Turtles is the species known as
3. Shift in the interest living fossil surviving for more than 150 billion years on
4. Globality earth. Olive ridley turtles are found worldwide and
listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Odisha’s
Correct answer is -
Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary is known as world’s
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 largest rookery (colony of breeding animals) of Sea
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) Only 1 turtles. They are listed as vulnerable under IUCN Red
Ans : (b) The concept of environment is based on data booklist.
Dimensions of totality of environment. Environment is Q.90. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen
sum total of Biotic and abiotic component. in the news, consider the following statements:
Q.86. Out of total Oxygen present in the earth's 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
atmosphere, the estimated production of oxygen by 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical
Amazon forest through photosynthesis is. rain forest areas of South India.
(a) 40 percent (b) 50 percent Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) 70 percent (d) 20 percent (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Ans : (d) The estimated production of oxygen by (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Amazon forest through photosynthesis is 20% out of Ans : (a) Red Sanders tree species is endemic to India
total Oxygen present in the earth's atmosphere. and has a highly restrictive distribution in tropical rain
Q.87. In a particular region in India, the local people forest of Eastern Ghats of South India (Andhra Pradesh,
train the roots of living tree into robust bridges across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu). Therefore, both statement
the streams. As the time passes these bridges become 1 and 2 are correct. IUCN placed the Red Sanders in
stronger. These unique ‘Living Root Bridges’ are found endangered category in 2022.
in Q.91. Consider the following statements:
(a) Meghalaya (b) Himachal Pradesh 1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
(c) Jharkhand (d) Tamil Nadu 2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
Ans : (a) The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’s 3. A drug called "taxol" is obtained from Taxus tree is
most beautiful tangible heritage sites. These bridges effective against Parkinson's disease.
have been built for centuries by Khasis and the Jaintias Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
and have been used by these people to cross the
(a) 1 only (c) 2 and 3 only
overflowing river during the monsoon season. The
living root bridges are made from rubber tree roots also (b) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
known as Ficus Elastica tree. Ans : (d) Taxus wallichiana Zucc or Himalayan yew
belongs to the family Taxaceae and is found in India as
an evergreen tree in the temperate Himalayas in the
Q.88. Every year, a month long ecologically important
hills of Meghalaya and Manipur at an altitude of 1500
campaign/festival is held during which certain

ECOLOGY 14 Civil Ki Goli

meters. It has been used by the native populations for Madhya, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Therefore
treating common cold, cough, fever and pain. It Sandalwood is not found in Himalayan region. Hence
received attention recently as its leaves and bark were (a) is the correct answer.
found to be the prime source of taxol, a potent Q.94. Government of India encourages the cultivation
anticancer drug. Taxol is also been used to treat of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this
Parkinson's disease. In 2011, IUCN (International Union plant?
for Conservation of Nature) listed Taxus tree in its list of
1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing
endangered species. Therefore, all the statements are
desertification.
correct.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
Q.92. In Uttarakhand, Oak-Rhododendron are
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in
characteristic plants of-
cold areas of high altitudes.
(a) Sub-tropical forest
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
(b) Sub-alpine forest
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Temperate forest
(a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans : (c) The temperate zone of Uttarakhand is rich in
Ans : (c) Sea buckthorn (Hippophae spp.) is a deciduous
flora and fauna. At the height Between 2,000 to 3,000
shrub or medium sized tree belongs to the family
meter, forests of deodar, oak and rhododendron are
"Elaeagnaceae", which grow naturally at higher
found. The wood from oak and rhododendron is
altitudes of temperate zone of Asia and Europe. In
utilized for agricultural implements while their leaves
India, Sea buckthorn is generally found in higher hills of
serve as cattle fodder. Deodar is used for building
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir
temples.
and Ladakh. It develops an extensive root system and it
Q.93. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely has nitrogen fixing property thus used to inhibit soil
to see which of the following plants naturally growing erosion and land reclamation. Its fruit has nutritious
there? value, anti oxidants, rich in Vitamins and anti ageing
1. Oak properties. Thus it is used in medicine industry. It is
2. Rhododendron exceptionally hardy plant able to withstand
3. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code temperatures as low as – 43°C and thus adapted to cold
given below areas of high altitudes. It is also called Leh berry
wonderberry or Ladakh Gold. Hence, statements 1 and
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
3 are correct.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.95. Sea buckthorn has a huge global market
Ans : (a) The Himalayas stretches over a distance of potential. The berries of this plant are rich in vitamins
about 2500 Kms from west to east. Its average width and nutrients. Genghis Khan used them to improve
along the entire longitudinal extension ranges from 100 stamina of his troops. Russian cosmonauts used its oil
- 400 km. Himalayan vegetation varies according to to combat radiation.
both altitude and climatic conditions. They range from
Where is this plant found in India?
the tropical deciduous forests in the foothills to
temperate forests in the middle altitudes, higher up (a) Nagaland (b) Ladakh
coniferous forests sub-alpine and alpine forests spring (c) Kodaikanal (d) Pondicherry
up. These finally give way to alpine grasslands and high Ans : (b) In India, Sea buckthorn (Hippophae
altitude meadows. rhamnoides) is primarily found in the cold desert
Tropical deciduous forests are found in regions of regions of the Himalayas, including areas in Ladakh,
slightly lower rainfall. Forests of teak and sal are Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and parts of
common in areas of deciduous vegetation. Arunachal Pradesh. It thrives in these high-altitude,
Temperate forests are mainly found in the middle arid environments and has been used traditionally for
altitudes of the Himalayas. They consist of deodar, blue its nutritional and medicinal properties.
pine, fir and spruce. Sub-alpine forests are found near Its berries are rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin C and
the snow line across all over the Himalayas and even in E) and omega fatty acids, making it valuable for both
the cold desert regions. Birch forests join the fir forests local and global markets.
at an elevation of above 3000m. Oak and
rhododendron are found between 2000 m to 3000 m in
temperate forest. States namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
(maximum area), Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha,

ECOLOGY 15 Civil Ki Goli