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1.Which of the following is NOT a biotic component of an ecosystem?
- APlants
- BSoil
- CAnimals
- DMicroorganisms
Explanation
Soil is an abiotic (non‑living) component, whereas plants, animals and microorganisms are living (biotic) components of an ecosystem.
2.In the context of ecosystem services, "cultural services" include all EXCEPT:
- ARecreational and tourism benefits
- BSpiritual and religious values
- CPollination of crops
- DAesthetic inspiration
Explanation
Pollination is a provisioning/regulating service, not a cultural service. Cultural services cover non‑material benefits such as recreation, aesthetics, and spiritual significance.
3.The "Project Tiger" initiative, launched in 1973, primarily focuses on the creation of which type of protected area?
- ATiger Reserves
- BWildlife Sanctuaries
- CNational Parks
- DCommunity Reserves
Explanation
Project Tiger led to the formation of dedicated Tiger Reserves, which are a combination of core and buffer zones designed specifically for the conservation of the tiger and its habitat.
4.Beta diversity measures:
- ASpecies richness within a single habitat
- BDifferences in species composition between habitats
- CGenetic variation within a species
- DProductivity of an ecosystem
Explanation
Beta diversity quantifies the turnover or change in species composition from one habitat or community to another, complementing alpha (within‑site) diversity.
5.
Which one is NOT an ecosystem service?
- A
Pollination
- B
Nutrient cycling
- C
Plastic production
- D
Water purification
Explanation
Answer
✅ C
Explanation
Ecosystem services include:
Provisioning (food, timber)
Regulating (climate regulation, pollination)
Supporting (nutrient cycling, soil formation)
Cultural (recreation, spiritual values)
Plastic production is an industrial activity.
6.A proposed coastal infrastructure project requires a 'Strategic Environmental Assessment' (SEA) rather than a conventional EIA. Which of the following best explains the rationale?
- ASEA focuses on a single project’s impacts only
- BSEA evaluates cumulative and policy‑level impacts across a sector or region
- CSEA is a faster, less rigorous version of EIA
- DSEA is required only for projects costing more than INR 10,000 crore
Explanation
Strategic Environmental Assessment looks at the broader sectoral, regional or policy implications, including cumulative effects, before individual projects are approved. It is not limited to a single project nor is it a simplified version of EIA.
7.The "Translocatable Species" protocol under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was first applied to which species in a national park?
- AIndian Rhino in Kaziranga
- BSnow Leopard in Hemis
- CGangetic Dolphin in Sundarbans
- DBarasingha in Kanha
Explanation
Kaziranga National Park pioneered the translocation of Indian one‑horned rhinoceroses to establish satellite populations, setting a precedent for the protocol.
8.The primary purpose of the 'scoping' stage in an EIA process is to:
- APrepare the final Environmental Management Plan
- BIdentify the key environmental issues and define the extent of study required
- CObtain consent from the project proponent
- DMonitor compliance after project implementation
Explanation
Scoping determines the boundaries of the assessment, identifies significant impacts, and outlines the specific studies needed. It does not involve preparing the EMP, obtaining consent, or post‑implementation monitoring.
9.Which of the following represents the correct order of trophic levels in a typical terrestrial food chain?
- APrimary producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers
- BPrimary consumers → Primary producers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers
- CTertiary consumers → Secondary consumers → Primary consumers → Primary producers
- DPrimary producers → Secondary consumers → Primary consumers → Tertiary consumers
Explanation
In a standard food chain, energy flows from autotrophs (primary producers) to herbivores (primary consumers), then to carnivores (secondary consumers) and finally to apex predators (tertiary consumers).
10.The concept of "circular economy" primarily aims to:
- AIncrease linear production and consumption patterns
- BPromote recycling, re‑use, and waste minimisation to keep resources in use for as long as possible
- CEncourage export of raw materials
- DFocus solely on renewable energy generation
Explanation
Circular economy seeks to decouple economic growth from resource depletion by designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
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