Environment — UPSC Prelims practice questions

Question 1

With reference to the 'Global Plastics Treaty' negotiations under the UN, consider the following statements:
1. The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution in 2022 to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
2. The treaty negotiations cover the entire life cycle of plastics, including production, design, and disposal.
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

Accepted Answer

(C) Both 1 and 2 — Correct. UNEA-5.2 (Nairobi, 2022) mandated negotiations for a legally binding treaty, and the scope covers the full life cycle of plastics from production to disposal.

Question 2

With reference to India, consider the following central acts:
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country? (A) 1 and 3 only (B) 2, 3 and 4 only (C) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (D) None of the above acts

Accepted Answer

(C) 1, 2, 3 and 4 — Correct. All four acts bear on biodiversity conservation — they regulate trade, mining in ecologically sensitive areas, customs enforcement against wildlife trafficking, and forest management respectively.

Question 3

Which of the following best defines 'Hotspot of endemism' in biogeography? (A) An area with the highest species richness regardless of threat level (B) An area with high concentrations of endemic species that has lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation (C) An area designated by IUCN for establishing gene banks (D) An area where invasive species have replaced native biodiversity

Accepted Answer

(B) An area with high concentrations of endemic species that has lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation — Correct. A biodiversity hotspot, as defined by Norman Myers, must contain at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species (more than 0.5% of the global total) and must have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation. This dual criterion of endemism and threat is the defining feature.

Question 4

Which of the following is true about autogenic succession? (A) Succession is driven by external environmental forces like climate change or volcanic activity (B) Succession is driven by the organisms themselves modifying their own environment (C) Succession occurs only in aquatic habitats (D) Succession results in a decrease in species diversity over time

Accepted Answer

(B) Succession is driven by the organisms themselves modifying their own environment — Correct. In autogenic succession, the organisms modify their own habitat (e.g., lichens weathering rock, trees creating shade), which in turn makes conditions suitable for other species that eventually replace them.

Question 5

In the context of EIA, 'alternatives analysis' involves examining:
1. Alternative project sites.
2. Alternative technologies with lower environmental impact.
3. The 'no-project' alternative.
Which of the above are typically considered in an EIA study? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(D) 1, 2 and 3 — Correct. A thorough EIA considers alternative sites, alternative technologies, and the zero-development (no-project) scenario to identify the least damaging option.

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