Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Test Series 2024-25

General Studies (P)- TEST BOOKLET

Test 08-Environment

Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

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item comprises four responses (answers). You will select the response which you want
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response with you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE response for each
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incorrect response 1/3rd of the allotted marks will be deducted.

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1. With reference to Homeostasis, consider 2. Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP)
the following statements: provides a comprehensive measure
1. Conformers depends on external of ecosystem’s carbon balance by
environmental changes to control considering the respiration of all
their internal conditions, while organisms within the ecosystem.
regulators maintain control over their
internal environment regardless of Which of the statement(s) given above
external changes. is/are correct?
2. A Polar bear’s body temperature (a) 1 only
changes with the outside temperature (b) 2 only
because it is ectothermic whereas a
(c) Both 1 and 2
snake keeps its internal temperature
stable regardless of the environment (d) Neither 1 nor 2
because it is endothermic.
4. Which of the following is the correct
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct? sequence of ecosystem with respect to its
(a) 1 only primary productivity?
(b) 2 only (a) Ponds > Lakes > Rivers > Estuaries >
(c) Both 1 and 2 Ocean
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Estuaries > Ponds > Lakes > Rivers >

2. Consider the following statements with Ocean

reference to Hibernation and Aestivation: (c) Ocean > Rivers > Lakes > Ponds >
1. Hibernation is a state of inactivity Estuaries
during winters, whereas aestivation (d) Estuaries > Lakes > Ponds > Rivers >
is a state of inactivity or sleep during
Ocean
summer.
2. Aestivation generally occurs for a 5. Consider the following organisms
longer duration than hibernation.
1. Diatoms
3. Plants cannot undergo aestivation,
2. Chlorella
whereas mammals undergo
hibernation. 3. Copepods
Which of the statement(s) given above 4. Hydrilla
is/are correct? 5. Flagellates
(a) 1 only
6. Spirogyra
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only Which of the above is/are primary
(d) 1, 2 and 3 producers in the food chain of pond
ecosystem?
3. With reference to productivity, consider
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
the following statements:
(b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
1. Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
specifically measures the energy (c) 1, 2, 4 and 6 only
available from primary producers (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
after respiration.

2
6. Consider the following statements: 2. Biomagnification is the process
1. Decomposers break down dead by which toxins increase in
organic materials through external concentration as they move up the
digestion, while detritivores food chain, affecting higher trophic
consume dead organisms and levels like zooplankton and larger
wastes, obtaining organic nutrients predators.
by internal digestion. 3. Persistent organic chemicals, flame
2. Millipedes and earthworms are retardants and DDT (dichloro-
examples of detritivores whereas diphenyl-trichloroethane) are known
Agaricus and Rhizopus are examples for both Bioaccumulation and
of decomposers. Biomagnification.
How many of the statement(s) given above
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(a) 1 only
(b) Only two
(b) 2 only
(c) All three
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
9. ‘Ichneumon wasps’ deposit their eggs
7. With reference to ecological pyramid, inside caterpillars or other insects. The
consider the following statements: larvae then feed on the host, ultimately
1. The pyramid of number can be causing its death as they complete
inverted but the pyramid of energy their development cycle. In this context
and biomass can never be inverted. ‘Ichneumon wasps’ is an example of
2. Herbivores can never outnumber which of the following type?
primary producers in any (a) Parasite
ecosystem.
(b) Predator
Which of the statement(s) given above
(c) Parasitoid
is/are correct?
(d) None of the above
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 10. Which of the following plants uses
(c) Both 1 and 2 visual and chemical mimicry to attract
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 male bees for pollination through
pseudocopulation?
8. With reference to the food chain, consider
(a) Rafflesia arnoldii
the following statements:
(b) Ophrys apifera
1. Bioaccumulation refers to the
accumulation of toxins in an (c) Drosera rotundifolia
organism at a rate faster than they (d) Nepenthes rajah
can be excreted.

3
11. Consider the following pairs: 14. Consider the following statements:
1. Hoolock gibbons is the only ape
Species Endemic to
found in India, confined to the
1. Hangul Dachigam National park northeastern region.
2. Indian Desert National Park 2. Lion Tailed macaque is primarily
Wild Ass nocturnal species endemic to
western ghats region.
3. Pygmy Dudhwa National Park
Which of the statement(s) given above
hog
is/are correct?
How many of the pair(s) given above (a) 1 only
is/are correctly matched? (b) 2 only
(a) One pair only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Two pairs only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) All three pairs
15. Consider the following statements:
(d) None 1. Tigers are solitary animals and
generally prefer to live alone.
12. Which of the following species are found
in Congo basin? 2. Jaguars are skilled climbers and are
known for their strong swimming
1. Gorilla
ability.
2. Chimpanzee
3. Snow leopards rely on their roaring
3. Black Spider monkey
ability to communicate across vast
4. Bonobo
distances in the high mountains.
Select the correct answer using the code
Which of the statement(s) given above are
given below:
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
13. Consider the following statements with
16. Consider the following statements:
respect to Orangutan:
1. Both lions and cheetahs can inhabit
1. Their habitat is restricted to the
similar habitats that range from
rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
open grasslands to dry deciduous
2. They make nests in trees of vegetation vegetation.
to sleep at night and rest during the 2. While Cheetahs are generally solitary
day. hunters, Lions are social hunters
3. Unlike other great apes, they are with female lions do most of the
solitary by nature. hunting.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are Which of the statement(s) given above
correct? is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

4
17. Consider the following statements: 20. Consider the following species:
1. Marsupials are endemic to Australian 1. Indian Pangolin
continent. 2. Indian Nightjar
2. Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar
3. Slender Loris
islands.
How many of the above are generally
3. Dugongs are endemic to Indian
nocturnal (or) most active after sunset?
ocean waters.
(a) Only one
How many of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct? (b) Only two

(a) Only one (c) All three

(b) Only two (d) None

(c) All three 21. Consider the following statements

(d) None with reference to Article 31C of Indian
Constitution:
18. Which of the following is not a Bird
1. Any laws giving effect to the Directive
species?
Principles under Article 39(b) and (c)
(a) Red Line Torpedo Barb cannot be challenged in any court
(b) Nicobar Megapode of law for the violation of Articles 14
(c) Jerdon’s Courser and 19.
(d) Himalayan Quail 2. It was introduced by the 42nd
Constitutional Amendment Act,
19. Consider the following statements: 1976.
Statement-I: Which of the statement(s) given above
Indian Elephants are listed as an is/are correct?
endangered species under the IUCN (a) 1 only
Red List.
(b) 2 only
Statement-II:
(c) Both 1 and 2
Indian Elephants are threatened
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
primarily by poaching for their ivory
tusks, which are found in both males
22. Consider the following statements
and females.
regarding Bhakti saint Tulsidas:
Which one of the following is correct in
1. He wrote Ramcharitmanas,
respect of the above statements?
Hanuman Chalisa and Gitavalli.
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
2. He was a contemporary of Surdas
are correct and Statement-II is the
and Rahim.
correct explanation for Statement-I.
3. He was one of the Navratnas of
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
Akbar’s court.
are correct and Statement-II is
How many of the statement(s) given above
not the correct explanation for
is/are correct?
Statement-I.
(a) Only one
(c) Statement-I is correct but
Statement-II is incorrect. (b) Only two
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but (c) All three
Statement-II is correct. (d) None

5
23. Consider the following statements 25. Consider the following:
regarding United Nations (UN) 1. Mali
membership:
2. Mauritania
1. To become a UN member, a country
3. Niger
must first be recommended by the
4. Burkina Faso
Security Council followed by a two-
thirds majority vote in the General 5. Chad
Assembly. 6. Nigeria
2. Observer states can participate
Which of the above countries are part of
in General Assembly sessions but
cannot vote or initiate resolutions. Alliance of Sahel States (ASS)/Liptako-
Gourma Charter?
3. Both UN members and Observer
states have inherent rights to join (a) 1, 4 and 6 only
UN specialized agencies. (b) 2, 3 and 5 only
4. Currently Vatican City and Palestine
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
are the only non-member observer
states at the UN. (d) 1, 4 and 5 only
How many of the statement(s) given above
26. Consider the following statements
is/are correct?
regarding the difference between a
(a) Only one
Community Reserve and a Conservation
(b) Only two
Reserve in India:
(c) Only three
(d) All four 1. A Community Reserve is declared on
private land, whereas a conservation
24. Consider the following statements Reserve is declared on public land.
regarding the World Food Programme
(WFP): 2. While Community Reserves are
1. The WFP is a United Nations agency managed primarily by the local
that provides food assistance communities, Conservation Reserves
globally and was awarded the Nobel are managed by the Government.
Peace Prize.
3. While Community Reserves are
2. WFP’s funding is entirely based
on voluntary donations, with recognized under Wildlife Protection
governments being the principal Act 1972, Conservation reserves
donors. are recognized under The Forest
3. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Conservation Act 1980.
Switzerland. Which of the above statement(s) is/are
Which of the statement(s) given above correct?
is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

6
27. Consider the following activities: 2. The Act automatically grants
1. Traditional Agricultural practices. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
for inventions based on biological
2. Adoption of green technology
resources found in India under the
3. Commercial mining provisions of Nagoya protocal.
4. Major hydroelectric projects Which of the statement(s) given above
How many of the above activities are is/are correct?
prohibited in the Eco-Sensitive Zones (a) 1 only
(ESZs) under the Environmental (b) 2 only
(Protection) Act, 1986? (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) Only one (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) Only two 30. With reference to the National Biodiversity
(c) Only three Authority (NBA), consider the following
statements:
(d) All four
1. It is a statutory body headed by
28. Consider the following statements Prime minister.
regarding the National Wildlife Action 2. It notifies Biological Diversity
Plan 2017-2031: Heritage Sites in consultation with
State Governments and local bodies.
1. The plan for the first time recognised
Which of the statement(s) given above
the concerns relating to climate
is/are correct?
change impact on wildlife.
(a) 1 only
2. The plan aims to conserve species (b) 2 only
that have ecological value to the (c) Both 1 and 2
ecosystem. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Currently, the plan does not include
aquatic species within its scope. 31. Consider the following statements
regarding the ‘Biodiversity Management
Which of the above given statement(s)
Committees (BMCs)’:
is/are correct?
1. BMCs are constituted at the local
(a) 1 only body level under the Biological
(b) 1 and 2 only Diversity Act 2002.
2. The primary function of BMCs is to
(c) 2 and 3 only
prepare a complete documentation
(d) 1, 2 and 3 of biodiversity in the area
3. BMCs are responsible for granting
29. Consider the following statements
approval for access to biological
regarding the ‘Biological Diversity Act’,
resources for commercial use.
2002:
How many of the statement(s) given above
1. The Act mandates that foreign is/are correct?
nationals must obtain prior approval (a) Only one
from the National Biodiversity
(b) Only two
Authority (NBA) to access biological
(c) All three
resources in India.
(d) None

7
32. Consider the following statements: (a) The species is identified for scientific
1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 research and does not receive
focuses on the conservation of protection from hunting.
protected forests, while the Forest (b) The species is considered vermin
(Conservation) Amendment Act, and can be hunted freely with state
2023 extends conservation efforts to government approval.
include non-traditional forest lands. (c) A person possessing a living
2. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 specimen of these species must
emphasizes forest governance and report it to the Government.
regulation of forest use, whereas the (d) These species can be used by
Forest (Conservation) Amendment humans for any religious purpose.
Act, 2023 introduces exemptions
for certain infrastructure projects to 35. Consider the following statements
streamline development. regarding the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA):
Which of the statement(s) given above
1. It is a statutory body established
is/are correct?
under the Wildlife Protection Act,
(a) 1 only
1972.
(b) 2 only 2. It is headed by the Union Minister
(c) Both 1 and 2 of Environment, Forest and Climate
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Change.
3. It is the nodal authority for approving
33. Consider the following statements projects related to the relocation of
regarding the Forest Rights Act, 2006: tigers and their habitats.
1. It provides forest dwelling rights for Which of the statement(s) given above
individual as well as communities. is/are correct?
2. It allows forest-dwelling communities (a) 1 and 2 only
to divert forest land for commercial (b) 1 and 3 only
purposes without government (c) 2 and 3 only
approval. (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. It does not grant any forest dwelling 36. Consider the following statements about
rights to tribal communities within Bumblebees:
the Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH). 1. Like honeybees, they also belong to
How many of the statement(s) given above the Apidae family.
is/are correct? 2. Like honeybees they also act as
(a) Only one pollinators.
(b) Only two 3. They are most commonly found in
equatorial and tropical region.
(c) All three
How many of the statement(s) given above
(d) None
is/are correct?
34. If a particular species is placed under (a) Only one
Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) (b) Only two
Amendment act 2022, what is the (c) All three
implication?
(d) None

8
37. Which of the following sensory 40. Consider the following activities:
mechanisms is primarily used by 1. Limited Human Activities.
butterflies to locate their food sources?
2. Grazing of Livestock.
(a) Vision and ultraviolet light perception
3. Eco-Tourism.
(b) Waggle dance communication
4. Private Land Ownership
(c) Echolocation
How many of the above activities
(d) Chemical signals emitted by other
is/are allowed in both National Parks
butterflies
and Wildlife Sanctuaries?
38. Consider the following statements: (a) Only one
1. In Reserved Forests all activities are (b) Only two
prohibited unless permitted, whereas (c) Only three
in Protected Forests all activities are
(d) All four
permitted unless prohibited.
2. While State Governments can 41. Consider the following pairs:
declare an area as Protected forests,
River Country
it can do so for Reserved Forests
only after getting permission from 1. Guiaba Brazil
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
2. Baghlan Bangladesh
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct? 3. Tongi Afghanistan
(a) 1 only How many of the pair(s) given above
(b) 2 only is/are correctly matched?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) One pair only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Two pairs only
(c) All three pairs
39. Consider the following statements
regarding the difference between National (d) None
Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
42. A recent study reveals that the drying
1. While National Parks are declared up of the Aral Sea has resulted in the
exclusively by the Central emergence of the Aralkum Desert, making
Government, Wildlife Sanctuaries Central Asia dustier. In this context,
can be declared by both State and consider the following statements.
Central Governments.
1. It can inhibit the melting of glaciers,
2. While National Parks are governed mitigating the water crisis in the
under the Environment Protection region.
Act 1986, Wildlife Sanctuaries
2. It can make the Siberian High
are governed under the Wildlife
stronger in winter.
Protection Act 1972.
Which of the statement(s) given above
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9
43. Consider the following pairs: 46. Consider the following statements:
Landslide Affected Country 1. Environment involves all of the
living organisms interacting with
1. Enga Province Sweden themselves and their physical
2. Simaltal Nepal surroundings, whereas ecosystem
province refers to the physical environment
in which organisms live.
3. Stenungsund Papua New Guinea
2. The Ecosphere includes all life and
How many of the pair(s) given above non-living components of Earth,
is/are correctly matched? while the Biosphere is limited to
(a) One pair only regions supporting living organisms.
(b) Two pairs only Which of the statement(s) given above
(c) All three pairs is/are correct?
(d) None (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
44. Which of the following diseases have been
eradicated in India? (c) Both 1 and 2
1. Rinderpest (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Yaws
47. Consider the following statements with
3. Measles reference to Edge effect and Ecotone:
4. Guinea worm disease
1. An Ecocline is a gradual transition
(Dracunculiasis)
in species between ecosystems,
Select the correct answer from the codes without a defined boundary while an
given below:
Ecotone is a well-defined zone where
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only two ecosystems meet, showing a
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only clear shift in species.
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only 2. The Edge effect refers to the
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 changes in population density,
species composition and community
45. Which of the following financial
structure that occur at the boundary
instruments are Exchange-Traded
Derivatives ? between two different habitats or
ecosystems.
1. Futures
2. Options 3. The number of species and the
population density of some of the
3. Swaps
species in the ecotone is much greater
4. Commodity derivatives
than either ecosystem individually.
5. Equity Derivatives
Which of the statement(s) given above
Select the correct answer from the codes
is/are correct?
given below:
(a) 3 only
(a) 3, 4 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2 and 3

10
48. Consider the following pairs: time, involving both interactions
within the same species (intraspecific)
Ecosystem Category
services and interactions between different
species (interspecific).
1. Recreation and Cultural
Which of the statement(s) given above
ecotourism services
is/are correct?
2. Mineral biogenesis Regulating (a) 1 only
and biochemicals services
(b) 2 only
3. Pollination and Provisioning (c) Both 1 and 2
decomposition services
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Nutrient cycling Supporting
and soil formation services 51. Consider the following statements with
reference to Ecological Niche:
How many of the pair(s) given above
1. Niche refers to the unique functional
is/are correctly matched?
role and position of a species in its
(a) One pair only
habitat or ecosystem.
(b) Two pairs only
2. Two species can have the same niche
(c) Three pairs only
in a habitat at the same time.
(d) All Four pairs
3. One habitat can have several niches
49. Arrange the following components/units to support a variety of species at any
in a correct sequence with reference to given moment.
Ecological hierarchy? How many of the statement(s) given above
1. Community is/are incorrect?
2. Biosphere (a) Only one
3. Ecosystem (b) Only two
4. Organism (c) All three
5. Biome (d) None
6. Population
Select the correct answer using the codes 52. Consider the following statements with
given below: reference to Ecological succession:
1. In primary succession, the new site
(a) 4-1-6-3-5-2
is first colonised by species such as
(b) 4-3-1-6-5-2
fungi, lichens and mosses.
(c) 4-6-1-3-5-2 2. Primary succession is relatively
(d) 4-6-1-5-3-2 faster than secondary succession.
3. Both allogenic and autogenic
50. Consider the following statements:
succession are driven by the biotic
1. A Population is a group of components of an ecosystem.
interbreeding organisms of the same
Which of the statement(s) given above
species that live in a specific area at a
is/are correct?
specific time, sharing resources and
interacting within their environment. (a) 1 only
2. A Community is a group of (b) 2 and 3 only
populations of different species (c) 3 only
coexisting in a specific area at a given (d) 1, 2 and 3

11
53. Consider the following statements with 2. Lichen is an indicator species in
reference to Ecological succession: urban environments due to its
1. The entire sequence of development sensitivity to pollution, particularly
stages of biotic succession from sulphur dioxide.
pioneer to climax community is
3. Water hyacinth is an invasive alien
known as Sere.
species that spreads rapidly in
2. A transitional community formed
aquatic environments, disrupting
and replaced during succession is
called seral community. ecosystems by blocking sunlight and
3. The final stage of succession is depleting oxygen.
called the climax community which Which of the statement(s) given above
is stable, mature, more complex and is/are correct?
long-lasting. (a) 1 only
Which of the statement(s) given above
(b) 3 only
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 only
56. Which among the following relationship
(d) 1, 2 and 3
of different species can be categorized
54. Consider the following statements: under ‘Commensalism’?
1. Allopatric speciation occurs in 1. Sea anemone attached to hermit
species isolated from each other by crab
geographical barriers. 2. Barnacles attached to Whales
2. Sympatric speciation occurs when
3. Penicillium Mold and Bacteria
new species evolve from a single
ancestral species while inhabiting 4. Epiphytic orchids on trees
the same geographic region. 5. Black Walnut Trees and nearby
3. Allopatric species in an ecosystem plants
cannot become sympatric species How many of the statement(s) given above
ever. is/are correct?
How many of the statement(s) given above
(a) Only two
is/are correct?
(b) Only three
(a) Only one
(b) Only two (c) Only four

(c) All three (d) All five

(d) None
57. ‘Mycorrhizae’ represent a symbiotic
55. Consider the following statements: association between:
1. Keystone species are species (a) Fungi and Algae
whose presence and role have a (b) Fungi and Plant roots
disproportionately large effect on the
(c) Bacteria and Plant roots
structure and functioning of that
ecosystem. (d) Bacteria and Fungi

12
58. Which among the following is an How many of the statement(s) given above
example of non-obligatory mutualistic is/are correct?
relationship? (a) Only one
(a) Corals and Zooxanthellae (b) Only two
(b) Yuccca moth and yucca plants (c) All three
(c) Ants and Acacia trees (d) None
(d) Rhizobium and Leguminous plants
62. Consider the following statements
59. Which of the following is the correct regarding the ‘Treaty on Intellectual
sequence of a food chain in a marine Property, Genetic Resources and
ecosystem? Associated Traditional Knowledge’:
(a) Sea urchin – Kelp – Crab – Sea lion - 1. It was adopted by the World Trade
Orca
Organisation (WTO).
(b) Kelp – Sea urchin – Crab- Sea lion -
2. The treaty mandates that applicants
Orca
for patents involving genetic
(c) Kelp – Crab – Sea Urchin – Orca –
resources must disclose the country
Sea lion
of origin or source of those resources.
(d) Sea urchin – Kelp – Crab – Orca- Sea
lion Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
60. Consider the following organisms:
(a) 1 only
1. Bee
(b) 2 only
2. Butterfly
(c) Both 1 and 2
3. Beetle
4. Moth (d) Neither 1 nor 2

5. Wasps 63. Consider the following statements

6. Flies regarding ‘Tokyo Atacama observatory’:
Which of the above are pollinating agents? 1. It is a radio telescopearray that
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only studies light from some of the coldest
(b) 1, 2, 4 and 6 only objects in the Universe.
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only 2. It is the second highest(altitude)
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 astronomical observatory in the world
after Atacama Large Millimeter/
61. Consider the following statements with
submillimeter Array (ALMA).
respect to H5N1 virus:
Which of the statement(s) given above
1. It is a type of virus that causes swine
is/are correct?
flu.
2. Like all its subtypes, It is an (a) 1 only
enveloped negative-sense RNA virus. (b) 2 only
3. It is a zoonotic influenza virus that (c) Both 1 and 2
spreads from animals to humans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

13
64. Consider the following pairs: Which of the above is/are essential
for a region to qualify as a biodiversity
Refugee Camps Country
hotspot?
1. Nuseirat Lebanon (a) 1 only
2. Cox Bazar Bangladesh (b) 1 and 2 only
3. Tindouf Turkiye (c) 1 and 3 only

How many of the pair(s) given above (d) 3 only

is/are correctly matched?
67. Consider the following statements with
(a) One pair only respect to Biodiversity hotspots:
(b) Two pairs only 1. The list of global biodiversity
(c) All three pairs hotspots is maintained and updated
by the United Nations Environment
(d) None
Programme (UNEP).
65. Consider the following statements with 2. India is home to 4 biodiversity
regards to ‘Agristack under Digital hotspots namely Himalayas,
Agriculture Mission’: Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and
1. AgriStack introduced a ‘Farmer ID’, Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)
similar to Aadhaar card, created Which of the statement(s) given above
and maintained by the Central is/are correct?
Government. (a) 1 only
2. Agristack is a federated structure (b) 2 only
and the ownership of data is with (c) Both 1 and 2
the respective States only.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. It contains farmer related data
including Land records, Livestock 68. Consider the following pairs regarding
ownership. activities permitted in different zones of
Which of the statement(s) given above Biosphere Reserves:
is/are correct?
Zone Activities Permitted
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only 1. Core Zone Limited human activity

(c) 2 and 3 only 2. Buffer Zone Ecotourism

(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Transition Settlements and
66. Consider the following statements: Zone agriculture
1. It must have a high percentage of How many of the pair(s) given above
plant life found nowhere else on the is/are correctly matched?
planet.
(a) One pair only
2. It must have a significant number of
(b) Two pairs only
rare animal species.
(c) All three pairs
3. It must have more than half of its
(d) None
original natural vegetation.

14
69. Which of the following are examples of 72. Which among the following Biosphere
ex-situ conservation methods? Reserves has the representation of diverse
1. Botanical gardens biomes ranging from Sub-Tropical and
Temperate moist evergreen to Alpine
2. Seed banks
Pastures and Cold Deserts?
3. Sacred groves
(a) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
4. Tissue culture
(b) Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
5. Cryopreservation
(c) Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Select the correct answer using the code (d) Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only 73. Consider the following pairs:

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only Biosphere Significance

Reserve
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only 1. Sunderban Only Mangrove tiger
habitat in India
70. Consider the following Biosphere 2. Kachchh Only largest breeding
Reserves in India: ground of lesser
1. Manas flamingos in India
2. Pachmarhi 3. Simlipal Only Natural habitat
3. Dihang-Dibang of melanistic tigers in
4. Panna India
5. Achanakmar-Amarkantak 4. Seshachalam Only Region of Red
How many of the above are recognized Sanders in India
under UNESCO World Network of How many of the pair(s) given above
Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)? is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only two (a) One pair only
(b) Only three (b) Two pairs only
(c) Only four (c) Three pairs only
(d) All five (d) All Four pairs

71. Which of the following protected areas 74. Consider the following statements with
is/are part of ‘Nandadevi Biosphere respect to ‘Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve? Reserve’:
1. Valley of flowers National Park 1. It is the first as well as only marine
2. Pin Valley National Park Biosphere Reserve in India.
2. It is known for having Coral reefs,
3. Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary
seagrass beds, mangroves, estuaries
Select the correct answer using the code and lagoons.
given below: Which of the statement(s) given above
(a) 1 only is/are correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

15
75. Consider the following pairs: How many of the above plays an important
role in the Nitrogen cycle?
Species Natural Habitat
(a) Only one
1. Golden Langur Evergreen forest
of Assam (b) Only two
(c) Only three
2. Golden Mahsheer Himalayan rivers
(d) All four
3. Golden Gecko Western ghats
How many of the pair(s) given above 78. Consider the following microorganisms
is/are correctly matched? with respect to Nitrogen cycle:
(a) One pair only 1. Nitrosomonas
(b) Two pairs only 2. Pseudomonas
(c) All three pairs
3. Nitrococcus
(d) None
4. Paracoccus
76. Consider the following statements: 5. Nitrobacter
Statement I: Which of the above organism is/are
The Earth does not gain or lose carbon involved in nitrification process?
as carbon moves constantly.
(a) 1 and 3 only
Statement II:
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Earth’s carbon mostly found in the
geosphere as well as in all living things, (c) 1, 3 and 5 only
soils, the ocean and atmosphere. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Which one of the following is correct in
respect of the above statements? 79. Which of the following statements about
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II the phosphorus cycle is incorrect?
are correct and Statement-II is the (a) Phosphorus originates from the
correct explanation for Statement-I.
weathering of phosphate rocks and
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II is absorbed by plants in the form of
are correct and Statement-II is
phosphate ions.
not the correct explanation for
Statement-I. (b) Unlike carbon or nitrogen cycle, the

(c) Statement-I is correct but phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary

Statement-II is incorrect. cycle and does not include a gaseous
phase.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but
Statement-II is correct. (c) Unlike Nitrogen, Phosphorus is not
an essential element forming part
77. Consider the following activities:
of vital molecules like nucleic acids
1. Growing legume plants.
(DNA & RNA).
2. Production of poultry chicken.
(d) Activities like mining phosphate
3. Using Biochar as a growing medium
in Vertical farming. rocks and agricultural runoff leading

4. Industrial production of fertilizers. to eutrophication in water bodies.

16
80. Which of the following processes release (c) It is a facility to store medical records
sulphur into the atmosphere? of beneficiaries under Pradhan
1. Volcanic eruptions. Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
2. Decomposition of organic matter. (d) It is a facility on the Sanchar Saathi
portal to report suspected fraud
3. Combustion of fossil fuels.
communication.
4. Emissions from marine plankton.
Select the correct answer using the code 84. ‘Mission Shakti’ envisages a unified
given below: citizen-centric lifecycle support for women
(a) 1 only through two sub-schemes ‘Sambal’ and
(b) 1 and 3 only ‘Samarthya’. In this context, Consider
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only the following statements:
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 1. The Sambal sub-scheme will be
implemented as a centrally sponsored
81. The ‘Recovery and Resilience Facility scheme with 100% central funding.
(RRF)’ is a temporary recovery instrument
2. The Samarthya sub-scheme is for
designated to mitigate the economic and
empowerment of women through
Social impact of Covid 19, given by
Ujjwala and SwadharGreh scheme.
(a) World Bank
Which of the statement(s) given above
(b) International Monetary Fund is/are correct?
(c) European Union (a) 1 only
(d) New Development Bank (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
82. Which of the following are the applications
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
of Mercury?
1. Gold Mining 85. Consider the following statements with
2. Cosmetics reference to ‘PM Vishwakarma scheme’
3. Medical devices for artisans:
4. Dental Fillings 1. The minimum age of beneficiary
Select the correct answer from the codes should be 35 years on the date of
given below: registration.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 2. Collateral free enterprises
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only development loans up to Rs. 5 lakhs
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only can be availed from a Bank under
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 this scheme.
3. The Ministry of Social Justice and
83. The ‘Chakshu Facility’ that was recently Empowerment acts as the nodal
seen in the news is best described by ministry.
which of the following statements? How many of the statement(s) given above
(a) It is a border surveillance facility is/are correct?
along the Line of Control to control (a) Only one
infiltration.
(b) Only two
(b) It is a facility to control money
(c) All three
laundering by monitoring financial
transactions. (d) None

17
86. “Wetlands are critical for maintaining Which one of the following is correct in
ecological balance and water quality.” respect of the above statements?
Which of the following functions of (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
wetlands best reflects this role? are correct and Statement-II is the
(a) Wetlands act as carbon sinks, correct explanation for Statement-I.
storing large amounts of organic (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
carbon in their soil and vegetation. are correct and Statement-II is
(b) Wetlands recharge aquifers and help not the correct explanation for
regulate groundwater levels. Statement-I.
(c) Wetlands absorb and neutralize (c) Statement-I is correct but
pollutants including excess Statement-II is incorrect.
nutrients and heavy metals from (d) Statement-I is incorrect but
water resources. Statement-II is correct.
(d) Wetlands provide cultural and 89. Consider the following pairs:
recreational opportunities,
Ramsar site State
supporting ecotourism.
1. Nanjarayan Kerala
87. Consider the following statements about
Bird Sanctuary
Mangrove forests:
2. Kazhuveli Bird Tamil Nadu
1. Mangroves are confined to tropical
Sanctuary
and subtropical regions where
freshwater meets salinewater. 3. Tawa Reservoir Arunachal Pradesh
2. Mangrove trees have aerial roots How many of the pair(s) given above
and salt-excreting leaves to adapt to is/are correctly matched?
saline and waterlogged conditions. (a) One pair only
3. Mangroves act as carbon sinks, (b) Two pairs only
sequestering large amounts of
(c) All three pairs
carbon and mitigating the impacts
(d) None
of climate change.
Which of the statement(s) given above are 90. Consider the following pairs:
correct? Tiger reserves State
(a) 2 only
1. Ratapani Wildlife Himachal
(b) 1 and 3 only Sanctuary Pradesh
(c) 2 and 3 only
2. Guru Ghasidas Chhattisgarh
(d) 1, 2, and 3 - Tamor Pingla
Wildlife Sanctuary
88. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: 3. Dholpur-Karauli Rajasthan
Coral reefs are protected under Tiger Reserve
Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection How many of the pair(s) given above
Act, 1972. is/are correctly matched?
Statement-II: (a) One pair only
India is home to all the three types of (b) Two pairs only
coral reefs i.e., fringing, barrier reefs (c) All three pairs
and atolls. (d) None

18
91. Consider the following statements: 3. Like Ganges River dolphin, Indus
1. Chowsingha is the only antelope in River dolphin is also functionally
the world with four horns. blind and rely on echolocation to
navigate, communicate and hunt
2. Barasingha, which is known for its
prey.
large branched antlers are generally
found in the swampy grasslands and Which of the statement(s) given above
marshes of central Indian region is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
3. Musk deer, which lacks antlers are
found at the high-altitude forests of (b) 2 and 3 only
Himalayan region. (c) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statement(s) given above (d) 1, 2 and 3
is/are correct?
94. Consider the following pairs:
(a) 2 only
Bird Species Protected area
(b) 3 only
1. Black-necked Changthang
(c) 1 and 3 only
Crane Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Siberian Crane Keoladeo National
92. Consider the following statements: Park
Statement-I: 3. Sarus Crane Samaspur Bird
The spotted deer also known as chital, Sanctuary
is an invasive species in the Andaman
How many of the pair(s) given above
Islands.
is/are correctly matched?
Statement-II:
(a) One pair only
No big cat species can be naturally
(b) Two pairs only
found in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. (c) All three pairs
(d) None
Which one of the following is correct in
respect of the above statements? 95. Consider the following statements:
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II 1. Gharials are primarily found in
are correct and Statement-II is the freshwater river systems and are
correct explanation for Statement-I. known for their long, slender snouts
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II adapted for catching fish.
are correct and Statement-II is 2. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest
not the correct explanation for living reptiles and found along
Statement-I. India’s eastern coastline, including
(c) Statement-I is correct but the Sundarbans and Andaman and
Statement-II is incorrect. Nicobar Islands.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but 3. Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Statement-II is correct. and Bhitarkanika National Park are
important protected areas of Gharials
93. Consider the following statements: and Saltwater crocodiles respectively.
1. The Ganges River dolphin can be How many of the statement(s) given above
found in the streams of Chambal is/are correct?
and Brahmaputra rivers.
(a) Only one
2. Irrawaddy dolphins are found
(b) Only two
only in freshwater river systems of
Southeast Asia. (c) All three
(d) None
19
96. In which among the following protected How many of the pair(s) given above
areas, where ‘Greater One Horned Rhino’ is/are correctly matched?
are naturally found in India? (a) One pair only
1. Pobitora Wildlife sanctuary (b) Two pairs only
2. Orang National Park (c) All three pairs
3. Dudhwa National Park (d) None
4. Jaldapara National Park
99. Consider the following statements with
5. Gorumara National Park
respect to Tiger Census in India:
Select the correct answer using the code
1. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh
given below:
has highest number of tigers as well
(a) 1 and 2 only
as tiger reserves.
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
2. Among the Tiger reserves, Corbett
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only Tiger reserve has highest tiger
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 density as well as highest number of
tigers.
97. Consider the following statements with
Which of the statement(s) given above
respect to ‘The Great Indian Bustard’:
is/are correct?
1. It is listed under Schedule I of the
(a) 1 only
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and in
(b) 2 only
Appendix I of CITES convention.
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. It is endemic to Indian subcontinent
and the Desert National Park is (d) Neither 1 nor 2
home to its major population.
100. The Pantanal, one of the largest freshwater
3. It is an omnivorous bird.
wetlands in the world, contributes
Which of the statement(s) given above is/ significantly to carbon storage. It is
are correct? located in:
(a) 1 only (a) Okavanga Delta
(b) 1 and 2 only
(b) Congo Basin
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) Mekong Delta
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Paraguay River Basin
98. Consider the following pairs:

Turtle Nesting site

Species

1. Olive Ridley Gahirmatha

Turtle Marine Sanctuary

2. Giant Galathea National

Leatherback Park
Turtle

3. Indian Gulf of Mannar

softshell turtle Marine National
Park

20