Prelims Solution. 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011. GS Prelims 2019.
Prelims Questions From Previous Papers. The questions from the previous 3-4 years’ prelims papers help us understand the nature of questions asked in prelims and the trend the UPSC is following. Don’t worry about the answers. Answer for each question with explanation is given under respective topics. will have all the solved prelims questions with explanation. Environment is the high priority topic for prelims and can be studied in relatively less hours compared to other subjects Very High Cost to Benefit Ration.I advise you to first go through the full notes before trying to understand these question.
2011-2012 Q1. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?. Biosphere Reserves. Botanical Garden. National Park. Wildlife SanctuaryQ2. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?.
Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains. Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk. Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only. None of the statements a, b, and c given above is correct.Q3. Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this field?.
Andhra Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh. Uttar PradeshQ4.
Consider the following:. Black-necked crane. Cheetah.
Flying squirrel. Snow leopardWhich of the above are naturally found in India?. 1, 2 and 3 only. 1, 3 and 4 only. 2 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4Q5. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?.
Indian wild buffalo. Indian wild ass. Indian wild boar. Indian GazelleQ6.
Consider the following kinds of organisms. Bat.
Bee. BirdWhich of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?. 1 and 2 only. 2 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q7.
The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. Threatened plant and animal species. Protected sites for conservation of nature & natural resources in various countries.Which of the statement given above is/are correct?. 1 & 3. 2 only.
2 & 3. 3 onlyQ8. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?. Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass. Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard. Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane).
Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and CheetalQ9. The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?. It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth. It is a confluence of different bio geographical zones. Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region. It has less human interference.Q10.
If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because. the soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients. propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability.
the rain forest species are slow-growing. exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest.Q11. When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it generally dries up and dies because. Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts. Roots are starved of energy. Tree is infected by soil microbes.
Roots do not receive oxygen for respirationQ12. Consider the following:. Photosynthesis. Respiration.
Decay of organic matter. Volcanic actionWhich of the above add carbon dioxide to the on Earth?. 1 and 4 only. 2 and 3 only. 2,3 and 4 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q13. Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used.
in the production of plastic foams. in the production of tubeless tyres. in cleaning certain electronic components. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cansWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?. 1, 2 and 3 only. 4 only.
1, 3 and 4 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q14. Consider the following:. Carbon dioxide. Oxides of Nitrogen. Oxides of SulphurWhich of the above is/are the emission / emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?. 1 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q15. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs.
the water vapour of the air and retains its heat. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation. all the solar radiations. the infrared part of the solar radiationQ16. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?. Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chloro fluorocarbons. Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chloro fluorocarbons. Increased temperature at polar region due to global warmingQ17. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.Which of statements given above is / are correct?. 1, 2 and 3 only. 2 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q18. Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?.
The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon emission quota. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.Q19. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:.
Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957. Customs Act, 1962.
Indian Forest Act, 1927Which of above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?. 1 and 3 only. 2,3 and 4 only. 1,2,3 and 4.
None of the above ActsQ20. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?.
Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of part of Right to life under Article 21. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1)Which of the statements given above is/are correct?. 1 only. 2 only. Both 1 and 2. Neither 1 nor 2Q21.
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. 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?. 1 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q22. Recently, ‘oilzappee’ was in the news. What is it?.
It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oil sludge and oil spills. It is the latest technology developed for under- sea oil exploration. It is a genetically engineered high biofuel yielding maize variety. It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused flames from oil wells.Q23. Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’.
What is the importance of this plant?. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification. It is a rich source of biodiesel. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
Its timber is of great commercial value.Q24. Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and bio-diversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?. Bhitarkanika.
Chandipur-on-sea. Gopalpur-on-sea.
SimlipalQ25. A particular State in India has the following characteristics:. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?. Arunachal Pradesh. Assam. Himachal Pradesh. Uttarakhand2013 Q1.
Consider the following pairs:. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve: Garo Hills.
Logtak (Loktak) Lake: Barail Range. Namdapha National Park: Dafla HillsWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?. 1 only. 2 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3. NoneQ2.
Consider the following pairs about parks and rivers passing through them:. Corbett National Park: Ganga. Kaziranga National Park: Manas. Silent Valley National Park: KaveriWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?. 1 and 2.
3 only. 1 and 3. NoneQ3. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?. Tamil Nadu. Kerala.
Karnataka. Andhra PradeshSelect the correct answer using the codes given below.
1, 2 and 3 only. 2 only. 1, 3 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4Q4. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy. Coexistence of a large number of species. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:.
1 only. 2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q5. Consider the following fauna of India:. Gharial. Leatherback turtle.
Swamp deerWhich of the above is/are endangered?. 1 and 2 only. 3 only. 1, 2 and 3. NoneQ6. Consider the following.
Star tortoise. Monitor lizard. Pygmy hog. Spider monkeyWhich of the above found in India?. 1, 2 and 3 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 4 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q7. Consider the following animals:. Sea cow. Sea horse. Sea lionWhich of the above is/are mammal/mammals?.
1 only. 1 and 3 only.
2 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q8.
Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to. resist drought and increase absorptive area. tolerate extremes of pH.
Resist disease infestationSelect the correct answer using the codes given below:. 1 only. 2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q9. Consider the following organisms. Agaricus.
Nostoc. SpirogyraWhich of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers. 1 and 2.
2 only. 2 and 3. 3 onlyQ10. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?.
Excretion of urea by animals. Burning of coal by man. Death of vegetationSelect the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 only. 2 and 3 only.
1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q11. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in.
desert margins, liable to strong wind action. low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding. scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth. None of the aboveQ12. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only. 2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q13. 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?. Beryllium. Cadmium.
Chromium. Heptachlor.
Mercury. Lead. PlutoniumSelect the correct answer using the codes given below. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7Q14. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?. Arsenic. Sorbitol. Fluoride.
Formaldehyde. UraniumSelect the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 and 3 only. 2, 4 and 5 only. 1, 3 and 5 only.
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Q15. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?. Engineering. Paper and pulp. Textiles. Thermal powerQ16. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by.
carbon dioxide and nitrogen. carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. ozone and carbon dioxide. nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxideQ17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among.
NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight. CO, 02 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight. CO, CO2 and N02 at low temperature.
High concentration of N02, O3 and CO in the eveningQ18. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
Food chains are found within the populations of a species. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?.
1 only. 1 and 2 only. 1, 2 and 3. NoneQ19. 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?. Ecotone. Ecological niche.
Habitat. Home rangeQ20. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is / are known as decomposer organism/organisms?. Virus. Fungi. BacteriaSelect the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only.
1, 2 and 3Q21. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of. insects and fungi.
limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients. water limits and fire.
None of the aboveQ22. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves.
Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans.
Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands2014 Q1. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?. Potential energy is released to form free energy. Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored.
Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given outQ2. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?. Volcanic action. Respiration. Photosynthesis.
Decay of organic matterSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 3 only. 2 only. 1, 2 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4Q3. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?. Terrace cultivation. Deforestation. Tropical climateSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2 only. 2 only.
1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q4. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of. algae and bacteria. algae and fungi. bacteria and fungi. fungi and mossesQ5.
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of. biosphere reserves. botanical gardens. national parks. wildlife sanctuariesQ6.
With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities, in those zones except agriculture.Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only.
2 only. Both 1 and 2.
Neither 1 nor 2Q7. Consider the following pairs. Dampa Tiger Reserve: Mizoram. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim. Saramati Peak: NagalandWhich of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?. 1 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q8.
Consider the following pairsWetlands Confluence of rivers. Harike Wetlands Beas and Satluj/Sutlej. Keoladeo Ghana National Park Banas and Chambal. Kolleru Lake Confluence of Musi and KrishnaWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?. 1 only.
2 and 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q9.
Which of the following have coral reefs?. Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Gulf of Kutch. Gulf of Mannar.
SunderbansSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1, 2 and 3 only. 2 and 4 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q10. Consider the following:.
Bats. Bears. RodentsThe phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?. 1 and 2 only. 2 only.
1, 2 and 3. Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the aboveQ11. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?. Crab. Mite.
Scorpion. SpiderQ12. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?.
Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans. Crustaceans-Herrings-DiatomsQ13. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?. Oak.
Rhododendron. SandalwoodSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2 only. 3 only. 1 and 3 only. 1, 2 and 3Q14.
If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?. Painted Stork. Common Myna.
Black-necked CraneSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2. 2 only. 2 and 3. 3 onlyQ15.
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally.
Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of riversSelect the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2 only. 2 and 3 only. 1, 3 and 4 only. 1, 2, 3 and 4Q16. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?. 1 only. 2 only. Both 1 and 2. Neither 1 nor 2Q17. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance.
Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?. The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics. The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas. The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines.
It is a source of high quality biodieselQ18.