Chapter 15: Our Environment

Science • Class 10 • Science Class 10

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Our Environment

Science • Class 10Science Class 10

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Related PYQs (98)

2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.36
'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
Environment
2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.45
Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
Environment and Biodiversity
2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.68
'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to
Environment
2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.78

On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

1
Ceiling fans
2
Electric geysers
3
Tubular fluorescent lamps
GS-III
2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.86

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1
Carbon dioxide
2
Carbon monoxide
3
Nitrogen dioxide
4
Sulfur dioxide
5
Methane
Environmental ecology
2016PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.97

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
2
The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2 °C or even 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
3
Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Environment
2017PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.14

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1
It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2
Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3
Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Environment
2017PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.21

Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?

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.
Environment
2017PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.80
The term 'M-STrIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Environment
2017PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.47

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1
Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture.
2
One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance.
3
Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides.
CSAT
2017PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.48

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding biopesticides?

1
They are not hazardous to human health.
2
They are persistent in environment.
3
They are essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem.
CSAT
2018PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.2

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

1
Hard and waxy leaves
2
Tiny leaves
3
Thorns instead of leaves
Environment
2018PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.23

Consider the following statements :

1
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
2
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Food Safety and Health Regulation
2018PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.35

With reference to the 'Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)', which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015.
2
Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.
3
India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.
Environment
2018PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.60
The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of
Environment
2018PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.86
Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?
Environment and Ecology
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.30
Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?
Environment
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.35

Consider the following :

1
Carbon monoxide
2
Methane
3
Ozone
4
Sulphur dioxide
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.39
In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
Environment - Pesticides
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.55

Consider the following statements :

1
As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
2
As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
3
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.
Environment
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.58
Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought 2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Environment
2019PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.59
As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
Environment
2019PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.66

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

1
Global warming is a frequently occurring natural phenomenon.
2
The impending global warming will not adversely affect small mammals.
3
Humans are responsible for the loss of the Earth's natural resilience.
CSAT
2020PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.10
Consider the following pairs: (1. Alma-Ata Declaration - Healthcare of the people; 2. Hague Convention - Biological and chemical weapons; 3. Talanoa Dialogue - Global climate change; 4. Under2 Coalition - Child rights). Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Environment
2020PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.48

Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?

1
Automobile exhaust;
2
Tobacco smoke;
3
Wood burning;
4
Using varnished wooden furniture;
5
Using products made of polyurethane.
Environment and Ecology
2020PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.79

Consider the following statements:

1
Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2
Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3
High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Environmental Ecology
2020PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.81
If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
Environment
2021PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.21
Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?
General Science
2021PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.25

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1
Brakes of motor vehicles
2
Engines of motor vehicles
3
Microwave stoves within homes
4
Power plants
5
Telephone lines
Environmental Ecology
2021PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.74
Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
Environmental ecology
2021PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.75
'Triclosan', considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?
Environmental ecology
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.21
Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ?
Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.46

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

1
Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2
Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3
Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4
Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
General Science
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.75
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?
Environment and Ecology
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.89

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :

1
Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2
When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3
Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Environment
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.90
Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
General Science
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.98

Consider the following statements:

1
Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2
Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3
Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Environmental ecology
2022PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.100

Consider the following :

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 ?
Environmental ecology
2022PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.31
According to the passage, natural selection cannot anticipate future environments on the earth as 1. species not fully prepared to face the environmental changes that await them will face extinction 2. all the existing species would get extinct as their genomes will not withstand biological mishaps 3. inability of the genome to withstand environmental changes would result in extinction 4. extinction of species is a common feature Select the correct answer using the code given below.
CSAT
2022PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.32
The passage suggests that Darwinian theory of evolution is not a theory at all because
CSAT
2022PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.33

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made :

1
Only species that have the ability to overcome environmental catastrophes will survive and perpetuate.
2
More than 90% of the species on the earth are in the danger of getting extinct due to drastic changes in the environment.
3
Darwin's theory explains all the natural phenomena.
CSAT
2022PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.34
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
CSAT
2023PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.38
Consider the following statements : Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' 1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest 2. hunting is not allowed in such area 3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce 4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices How many of the above statements are correct?
Environment
2023PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.55

With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :

1
Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2
Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3
Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.
Environmental Pollution and Degradation
2023PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.67
'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
Science and Technology
2023PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.79

Consider the following statements :

1
In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2
The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Environmental Ecology
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.17

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:

1
PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
2
PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
3
Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.
Environment
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.20

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I
The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement-II
The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Environment
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.22

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I
Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II
Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Environmental Ecology
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.28
Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?
Environment and Ecology
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.29

Consider the following:

1
Butterflies
2
Fish
3
Frogs
General Science
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.37
Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?
Environmental Ecology
2024PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.90
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
Environment
2023PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.51
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?
CSAT
2023PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.52
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and practical message conveyed by the passage?
CSAT
2023PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.53
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
CSAT
2025PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.44
Consider the following : I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic?
Environmental Ecology
2025PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.90
Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
Environment
2018MainsGS-IIIQ.6
What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?
Environmental Pollution and Waste Management
2020MainsGS-IIIQ.7
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
GS-III
2020MainsGS-IIIQ.17
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?
GS-III - Environmental Pollution (National Clean Air Programme)
2021MainsGS-IIIQ.7
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India's National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?
GS-III
2024MainsGS-IIIQ.7
Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.
GS-III
2025MainsGS-IIIQ.6
How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour?
GS-III
2025MainsGS-IIIQ.7
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?
GS-III
2026MainsGS-IIIQ.17
What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.
GS-III
2019SociologySociology Paper-IQ.6
(a) Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects. (b) Highlight the main features of the 'Inter-linking of Rivers' project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture? (c) Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration.
Sociology Optional
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.22
In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
Environmental Ecology
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.23
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
Environmental Ecology
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.30
Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
Environmental ecology
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.31

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:

1
A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed 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.
Environmental ecology
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.34

Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?

1
Excretion of urea by animals
2
Burning of coal by man
3
Death of vegetation
Environmental ecology
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.48
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?
Ecology & Environment
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.49
Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
Environmental Science (Air Pollution)
2013PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.53

With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms?

1
Virus
2
Fungi
3
Bacteria
Environment
2013PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.37

According to the passage, why should the discharge of agricultural slurry into watercourses be restricted?

1
Losing nutrients in this way is not a good practice economically.
2
Watercourses do not contain the microorganisms that can decompose organic components of agricultural slurry.
3
The discharge may lead to the eutrophication of water bodies.
CSAT
2013PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.38
The passage refers to the conversion of "pollutant to fertilizer". What is pollutant and what is fertilizer in this context?
CSAT
2013PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.39

According to the passage, what are the effects of indiscriminate use of fertilizers?

1
Addition of pollutants to the soil and water.
2
Destruction of decomposer microorganisms in soil.
3
Nutrient enrichment of water bodies.
4
Creation of algal blooms.
CSAT
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.5

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:

1
It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2
It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3
It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Environment and Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.6
With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?
Environment and Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.16

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1
They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2
They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Environmental Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.19

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

1
Volcanic action
2
Respiration
3
Photosynthesis
4
Decay of organic matter
Environmental Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.26
According to the passage, the adverse impact of climate change on an ecosystem can be a 1. permanent disappearance of some of its flora and fauna. 2. permanent disappearance of ecosystem itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Environment and Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.28
What is the most important message conveyed by the passage?
Environment and Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.29

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1
To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided.
2
Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems.
3
Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems.
Environment and Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.64

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

1
Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2
Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3
Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.
Environment
2014PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.80
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
Environmental Ecology
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.26
According to the passage, the adverse impact of climate change on an ecosystem can be a 1. permanent disappearance of some of its flora and fauna. 2. permanent disappearance of ecosystem itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
CSAT
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.27
Which one of the following statements best implies the need to shift toward contemporary conservation approach?
CSAT
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.28
What is the most important message conveyed by the passage?
CSAT
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.29

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1
To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided.
2
Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems.
3
Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems.
CSAT
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.78

Consider the following international agreements:

1
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3
The World Heritage Convention
Environment
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.79

Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour':

1
It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2
It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3
It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Environment
2014PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.80
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
CSAT
2015PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.18

With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2
Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
3
Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
Environment
2015PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.84
Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'?
Environment
2015PrelimsPaper 1 (GS)Q.93

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

1
The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2
Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Environment
2015PrelimsPaper 2 (CSAT)Q.64

Climate change is a complex policy issue with major implications in terms of finance. All actions to address climate change ultimately involve costs. Funding is vital for countries like India to design and implement adaptation and mitigation plans and projects. Lack of funding is a large impediment to implementing adaptation plans. The scale and magnitude of the financial support required by developing countries to enhance their domestic mitigation and adaptation actions are a matter of intense debate in the multilateral negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention squarely puts the responsibility for provision of financial support on the developed countries, taking into account their contribution to the stock of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. Given the magnitude of the task and the funds required, domestic finances are likely to fall short of the current and projected needs of the developing countries. Global funding through the multilateral mechanism of the Convention will enhance their domestic capacity to finance the mitigation efforts. According to the passage, which of the following is/are a matter of intense debate in the multilateral negotiations under UNFCCC regarding the role of developing countries in climate change?

1
The scale and size of required financial support.
2
The crop loss due to climate change in the developing countries.
3
To enhance the mitigation and adaptation actions in the developing countries.
CSAT

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