EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

Q 1. Consider the following statements:

1. Ecosystem is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact with each other
and their environment.
2. Biotic components of an ecosystem include things like fungi, plants, animals, birds, and bacteria.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Ecology is a scientific field that encompasses population, ecology, biosphere,
human science, and communities. Ecology is the study of living things, their surroundings, and the
relationships that exist between them. Different levels of study are conducted on it, including organism,
population, community, biosphere, and ecosystem.
 Statement 2 is correct: Biotic components are living factors of an ecosystem. A few examples of biotic
components include bacteria, animals, birds, fungi, plants, etc.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 2. Regarding the ‘types of the ecology’, consider the following statements:
1. Global Ecology deals with interactions among earth’s ecosystems, land, atmosphere and oceans.
2. Ecosystem Ecology deals with the entire ecosystem, including the study of living and non-living
components and their relationship with the environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: The interactions between the land, atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems on
Earth are the subject of global ecology. Understanding the large-scale interactions and how they affect
the planet is helpful.
 Statement 2 is correct: Ecosystem ecology examines all aspects of the ecosystem, including living
things and their interactions with the surrounding environment. This field of study examines the
interactions, functioning, etc. of ecosystems.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q3. Regarding the ‘levels of organizations in ecology’, consider the following statements:
1. Population is a group of organisms usually of the same species, occupying a defined area during a
specific time.
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

2. Organism is an individual living being that has the ability to act or function independently.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: Population is a group of organisms usually of the same species, occupying a
defined area during a specific time. The percentage change in a population's size between two points
in time is known as the population growth rate. As a result, the rate of population growth may be positive
or negative.
 Statement 2 is correct: Organism is an individual living being that has the ability to act or function
independently. It may be plant, animal, bacterium, fungi, etc. It is a body made up of organs, organelles,
or other parts that work together to carry out on the various processes of life.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 4. Regarding the concept of the Ecosystem, consider the following statements:
1. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil, and people.
2. If one part of an ecosystem is damaged or disappears, it has an impact on everything else.
3. An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of biosphere consisting of community of
living beings only.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
 Statement 3 is incorrect: An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of biosphere
consisting of community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and
exchanging materials between them.
 Statement 2 is correct: Ecosystems vary greatly in size and elements, but each is a functioning unit
of nature. Everything that lives in an ecosystem is dependent on the other species and elements that are
also part of that ecological community. If one part of an ecosystem is damaged or disappears, it has
an impact on everything else.
 Statement 1 is correct: It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil,
and people.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 5. Consider the following statements:
1. Abiotic components are the inorganic and non-living parts of the world.
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

2. Abiotic components involve chemicals like oxygen, nitrogen etc. and physical processes including
volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, climates, and weather conditions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: The inorganic and non-living components of the world are known as abiotic
components. The abiotic component is made up of things like air, water, soil, and light energy.
 Statement 2 is correct: It also involves physical processes like volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, forest
fires, climates, and weather patterns, as well as chemicals like oxygen, nitrogen, and so forth.
 Abiotic factors are the most important determinants of where and how well an organism exists in its
environment. Although these factors interact with each other, one single factor can limit the range of an
organism.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 6. Consider the following statements:
1. Biotic components include both living and non-living things.
2. Biotic components are classified according to their functional attributes into producers and consumers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct: Living things, including bacteria, plants, and
animals, are categorized as biotic components based on their functional characteristics, which divide
them into producers and consumers.
 Basically, green plants (as well as some bacteria and algae) are primary producers.
 Through the process of photosynthesis, they create carbohydrates for themselves from basic
inorganic raw materials like carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight, which they then
indirectly provide to other nonproducers.
 Consumers are incapable of producing their own food (photosynthesis). They depend on organic food
derived from plants, animals or both.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 7. Consider the following statements:
1. Green plants are the only primary producers.
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

2. Primary producers synthesise carbohydrate from simple inorganic raw materials like carbon dioxide and
water in the presence of sunlight by the process of photosynthesis for themselves.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Primary producers are basically green plants (and certain bacteria and
algae).
 Statement 2 is correct: They synthesise carbohydrate from simple inorganic raw materials like
carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight by the process of photosynthesis for themselves,
and supply indirectly to other nonproducers.
 In terrestrial ecosystem, producers are basically herbaceous and woody plants, while in aquatic
ecosystem producers are various species of microscopic algae.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 8. Consider the following statements:
1. Heterotrophs can also produce their own food.
2. Autotrophs depend on organic food derived from plants, animals or both.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Heterotrophs are incapable of producing their own food (photosynthesis).
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Heterotrophs depend on organic food derived from plants, animals or both.
 Consumers can be divided into two broad groups namely micro and macro consumers.
Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 9. Consider the following statements:
1. Herbivores are also known as secondary consumers.
2. Omnivores are organisms which consume both plants and animals.
3. Macro consumers feed on plants or animals or both and are categorised on the basis of their food sources.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

(c) All three

(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Statement 1s incorrect: Herbivores are primary consumers which feed mainly on plants e.g. cow,
rabbit.
 Secondary consumers feed on primary consumers e.g. wolves. Carnivores which feed on secondary
consumers are called tertiary consumers e.g. lions which can eat wolves.
 Statement 2 is correct: Omnivores are organisms which consume both plants and animals e.g. man,
monkey.
 Statement 3 is correct: Macro consumers feed on plants or animals or both and are categorised on
the basis of their food sources.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 10. Consider the following statements:
1. Saprotrophs are bacteria and fungi which obtain energy and nutrients by decomposing dead organic
substances of plant and animal origin.
2. The products of decomposition such as inorganic nutrients which are released in the ecosystem are reused
by producers and thus recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: Saprotrophs are bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic materials
(detritus) originating from plants and animals in order to obtain energy and nutrients.
 Statement 2 is correct: Producers recycle by reusing the by products of decomposition, such as
inorganic nutrients released into the ecosystem.
 Detritus feeders, or detritovores, are soil organisms like nematodes and arthropods as well as
earthworms. They aid in the breakdown of organic matter.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q11. Ecosystems are capable of maintaining their state of equilibrium. They can regulate their own species
structure and functional processes. This capacity of ecosystem of self-regulation is known as:
(a) Homeostasis
(b) Food chain
(c) Food web
(d) Ecological succession
Answer: (a)
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

Explanation
 Homeostasis is defined as a self-regulating process by which a living organism can maintain internal
stability while adjusting to changing external conditions. Homeostasis is not static and unvarying; it
is a dynamic process that can change internal conditions as required to survive external challenges.
Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 12. How many of the following forms the part of the services provided by an Ecosystem?
1. Supplying food, fuel, and fibre
2. Supplying housing and building materials
3. Cleaning the air and water
4. Breaking down and detoxifying waste products
5. Stabilizing and regulating the planet's climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Answer: (d)
Explanation
 The products and services that ecosystems offer are as follows:
o Supplying food, fuel, and fiber;
o supplying housing and building materials;
o cleaning the air and water;
o breaking down and detoxifying waste products;
o stabilizing and regulating the planet's climate;
o controlling wind, floods, droughts, and temperature extremes;
o generation and renewal of soil fertility, including nutrient cycling;
o pollination of plants, including many crops Control of pests and diseases.
Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 13. Consider the following statements:
1. Grassland is an example of an ecotone.
2. Ecotones are always very wide.
3. A well-developed ecotone may contain some organisms which are entirely different from that of the
adjoining communities.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: An ecotone is the area where two or more distinct ecosystems converge.
Mangrove forests, for instance, serve as an ecotone between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Additional
examples include riverbanks, grasslands, and estuaries.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Ecotones may be very narrow or quite wide.
 Statement 3 is correct: A well-developed ecotone may contain some organisms which are entirely
different from that of the adjoining communities.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 14. How many of the following is/are the example of the regulating services of an ecosystem?
1. Checking soil erosion
2. Controlling greenhouse gases
3. Providing food and water
4. Nutrient cycling
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (b)
 Regulating Services includes the services which regulate the ecological balance. For example, forests
purify and regulate air quality, prevent soil erosion, and control greenhouse gases etc.
 Food, water, medicine, and other resources derived from ecosystems are examples of products/raw
materials or energy outputs that are included in provisioning services.
 Other services are built on the foundation of supporting services. They preserve biodiversity, aid in the
cycling of nutrients, offer habitat to various life forms, and perform other functions that keep life on
Earth going.
 Recreational, artistic, cultural, and spiritual services are all included in the category of cultural services.
The majority of natural features, including mountains, caves, and landscapes, are utilized for cultural and
artistic endeavours.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 15. Consider the following statements:
1. Regulating Services provided by ecosystem includes the services which regulate the ecological balance.
2. Supporting services provide habitat for different life forms, retain biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and other
services for supporting life on the earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

Explanation
 Food, water, medicine, and other resources derived from ecosystems are examples of products/raw
materials or energy outputs that are included in provisioning services.
 Statement 1 is correct: Regulating Services includes the services which regulate the ecological balance.
For example, forests purify and regulate air quality, prevent soil erosion, and control greenhouse gases
etc.
 Statement 2 is correct: Other services are built on the foundation of supporting services. They preserve
biodiversity, aid in the cycling of nutrients, offer habitat to various life forms, and perform other
functions that keep life on Earth going.
 Recreational, artistic, cultural, and spiritual services are all included in the category of cultural
services. The majority of natural features, including mountains, caves, and landscapes, are utilized for
cultural and artistic endeavours.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 16. Consider the following statements:
1. Different climates (precipitation and temperature) along with vegetation, animal life, and general soil type
are what define different biomes.
2. Alpine tundra occurs at high mountains above the tree line.
3. There are no trees in the tundra.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 The biosphere's terrestrial component can be divided into vast areas known as biomes.
 Statement 1 is correct: Every biome is unique. Their unique climate, which primarily consists of
temperature and precipitation, is characterized by their vegetation, animal life, and general type of
soil.
 Statement 2 is correct: High mountains situated above the tree line are home to alpine tundra. The
Himalayan, Andean, and Alpine high ranges, for instance.
 Statement 3 is correct: The tundra is devoid of trees because of permafrost. Lichens, the lowest type
of vegetation, are sporadic on bare rocks and resemble mosses.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 17. How many of the following is/are the common species of Temperate Deciduous Biome (British Type
Climate)?
1. Oak
2. Elm
3. Ash
4. Birch
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

(a) Only one

(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d)
Explanation

 Temperate Deciduous Biome (British Type Climate)

o Temperate forest soils are deep and podzolic.
o This climatic type's native vegetation is deciduous.
o During the winter, trees lose their leaves.
o They have evolved this defense mechanism to fend off the winter's snow and frost.
o Fall, or autumn, is when shedding starts. Spring is when growth starts.
o Common species include poplar, birch, beech, oak, elm, and ash.
Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 18. Consider the following statements:
1. Podzols are the typical soils of a tundra biome.
2. Podzols are characterized by low levels of moisture (excessively drained) and nutrients.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The typical soils found in a boreal or coniferous biome are called podzols.
 The very thin top layer of the soil is on top of a sandy or loamy subsurface that lacks organic matter
as a result of nutrients seeping to the lower layers.
 Statement 2 is correct: The loamy or sandy soils have low moisture content (excessively drained)
and high nutrient content. Others have subsurface cementation, which causes shallow root zones and
poor drainage.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 19. Consider the following statements:
1. Xerophytic vegetation predominates in both hot and mid-latitude deserts.
2. Desert biome includes the cacti, thorny bushes, long-rooted wiry grasses and scattered dwarf acacias.
3. In desert biome, the plants have few or no leaves, and the foliage is either waxy, leathery, hairy or needle
shaped.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

(c) All three

(d) None
Answer: (c)
Explanation
Desert Biome
 Statement 1 is correct: Xerophytic, or drought-resistant, vegetation predominates in both hot and mid-
latitude deserts.
 Statement 2 is correct: This includes the scattered dwarf acacias, long-rooted wiry grasses, thorny
bushes, and cacti.
 In order to collect moisture and look for ground water, the majority of desert shrubs have long roots that
are widely spaced.
 Statement 3 is correct: In order to decrease the amount of water lost through transpiration, plants either
have few or no leaves, or their foliage is hairy, leathery, waxy, or needle shaped.
 Many species of herbs and grasses have tough, thick skins that protect the seeds while they are dormant.
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q20. Regarding the concept of the Natural Capital Accounting (NCA), consider the following statements:
1. It is an umbrella term covering efforts to make use of an accounting framework to provide a systematic
way to measure and report on stocks and flows of natural capital.
2. It covers accounting for individual environmental assets or resources, both biotic and abiotic, as well as
accounting for ecosystem assets, biodiversity and ecosystem services, in physical terms only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation
 Statement 1 is correct: Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) is an umbrella term covering efforts to
make use of an accounting framework to provide a systematic way to measure and report on stocks
and flows of natural capital.
 The stock of non-renewable and renewable resources that work together to provide benefits to people
is also referred to as natural capital.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: It covers accounting for individual environmental assets or resources, both
biotic and abiotic, as well as accounting for ecosystem assets, biodiversity and ecosystem services, in
both physical and monetary terms.
Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 21. How many of the following form/forms the part of the Lentic ecosystem?
1. Ponds
2. Rivers
3. Springs
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

4. Lakes
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Freshwater ecosystems: Fresh water is defined as land-based water that is constantly circulating and
has a low salt content (constantly less than 5 parts per thousand).
 Freshwater ecosystems are divided into two categories: 1) Static or still water ecosystems (Lentic), such
as lakes, ponds, and bogs. 2) Ecosystems with flowing water (Lotic), such as rivers, streams, springs,
and mountain brooks.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 22. How many of the following is/are the feature/features of the Savanna biome?
1. Tall trees and short grasses
2. Rich in mammals
3. Deciduous trees
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 Tropical Wet and Dry Biome or Savanna
o Short trees and tall grass are characteristics of the savanna environment.
o Some trees, like acacias, are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves during the cool, dry season
to avoid losing too much water through transpiration.
o Trees often have wide trunks that are equipped with water-storing mechanisms to withstand
protracted dry spells.
o Because many trees have umbrella shapes, the strong winds only reach a narrow portion of
them.
o Diversity of mammals, birds, and reptiles abound in the savanna biome.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 23. Consider the following statements:
1. Mangroves can survive under extreme hostile environments such as high salt and low oxygen conditions.
2. Mangroves are found only along sheltered coastlines within the tropical latitudes only.
3. A Mangrove is a very huge tree or shrub that grows along coastlines.
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Explanation
 Statement 3 is incorrect: A mangrove is a small tree or shrub that grows underwater in salty
sediments along coastlines.
 The term "mangrove" can apply to the trees and shrubs found in the mangrove swamp or to the entire
ecosystem.
 Statement 1 is correct: Mangroves can survive under extreme hostile environments such as high salt
and low oxygen conditions.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Mangroves are found only along sheltered coastlines within the tropical or
subtropical latitudes because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
 They share the unique capability of growing within reach of the tides in salty soil.
Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 24. How many of the following is/are the feature/features of the Steppe biome?
1. Large number of trees
2. Shorter and nutritious grasses
3. Huge animal diversity
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Explanation

 The Biome of Steppe or Temperate Grasslands

o The grasses are much shorter, and there are hardly any trees.
o Fresh and nutritious grasses.
o A zone of transitional wooded steppes appears polwardly as precipitation increases, with some
conifers appearing gradually.
o Lack a great diversity of animal species.
Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 25. How many of the following is/are the threats to the Wetland ecosystem?
1. Agriculture
2. Urbanization
3. Pollution
4. Alien species
 EXPLANATION [ENVIRONMENT TEST-03]

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

 Threats to the wetlands

o The development of residential, commercial, and industrial facilities is placing increasing pressure
on wetlands that are close to urban centers. Public water supplies must be preserved, and this
requires urban wetlands.
o Large areas of marshes have been transformed into rice fields. The hydrology of the surrounding
wetlands was dramatically changed by the construction of numerous reservoirs, canals, and dams for
irrigation.
o Water is naturally filtered by wetlands. They cannot, however, remove pollutants such as mercury
from industrial sources or other sources of pollution; they can only remove pesticides and
fertilizers from agricultural runoff. Concern over how industrial pollution affects wetlands' biological
diversity and sources of drinking water is on the rise.
o Wetlands may also be impacted by rising sea levels, altered precipitation patterns, more frequent
storms, droughts, and floods, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, and increased air
temperature.
o Exotic introduced plant species like salvinia, and water hyacinth pose a threat to Indian
wetlands. They compete with natural vegetation and clog waterways.
Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.