In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase marine productivity by bringing the: (2011)
1. Decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. Nutrients to the surface.
3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

If a tropical rainforest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because (2011)

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services—provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is a supporting service? (2012)

What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? (2012)
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
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With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms? (2013)
1. Virus
2. Fungi
3. Bacteria
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In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of: (2013)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity? (2013)

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements: (2013)
1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feeds upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism but also its functional role in the community of organisms? (2013)

On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion: (2013)

Which one of the following is the best description of the term ‘ecosystem’? (2015)

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? (2018)
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
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The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2017)

In nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? (2021)
1. Fern
2. Lichen
3. Moss
4. Mushroom
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Consider the following kinds of organisms: (2021)
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?

Which of the following are detritivores? (2021)
1. Earthworms
2. Jellyfish
3. Millipedes
4. Seahorses
5. Woodlice
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In which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrients to enter the cycle? (2021)

Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms? (2021)
1. Cnidarians
2. Fungi
3. Protozoa
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With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements: (2021)
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource (IUCN) contain lists of (2011)
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
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Which one of the following is not a site for the in-situ method of conservation of flora? (2011)

Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: (2011)
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

Consider the following statements: (2011)
1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011)
1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4. Pollination of crops
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The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon? (2011)

How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian Agriculture? (2012)
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to (2016)

Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? (2017)
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
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Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? (2021)

The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions? (2021)
1. Burrowing animals and termites
2. Fire
3. Grazing herbivores
4. Seasonal rainfall
5. Soil properties
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Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide? (2022)

“System of rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in: (2022)
1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption
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With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2011)
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dryland farming.
3. In some areas of farming, the receding of groundwater tables can be checked.
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What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? (2015)
1. Proliferation of nitrogen fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the groundwater can occur.
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Which of the following statements can help in water conservation in agriculture? (2017)
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
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Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”? (2018)

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: (2018)
1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? (2018)
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
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In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as (2019)

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? (2020)
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
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What is/are the advantage/ advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? (2020)
1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop.
2. Without the need for a nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
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In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? (2020)
1. Crop diversification
2. Legume intensification
3. Tensiometer use
4. Vertical farming
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What is the use of biochar in farming? (2020)
1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? (2021)
1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such a phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
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In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (2022)
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the period of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following: (2022)
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon? (2011)
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3. Upwelling in the seas.
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Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
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Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013)
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
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Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by (2013)

Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among (2013)

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by the normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by: (2013)

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? (2014)
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxide of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
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There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? (2014)
1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
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Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? (2014)
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
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Which of the following best describe/ describes the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? (2016)
1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’
2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future
3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures
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In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
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Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for: (2017)