Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on human-wildlife conflict, International Big Cat Alliance and more (Week 115)

Indian Express

3 hours ago

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress.
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With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance, consider the following statements:
1. There are 95 range countries which fall within the natural distribution of the big cats.
2. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed.
3. The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in Moscow.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
— In March 2024, the Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Its mandate is to protect seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
— It was created 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
— The big cats have 95 range countries (those within a species' natural distribution), which include Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Which of the following is/are the reason which led to the increase in human-wildlife conflict?
1. Fluctuations in wildlife population
2. Animals forced to move out of their habitats
3. Grazing of domestic cattle in forest areas
4. Changes in cropping pattern
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
— Kerala has sought the Union government's nod to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and properties. The state wants the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended so it can be allowed to kill wild animals that foray into human habitats.
— The primary problem animals include tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, wild boar, bonnet macaques, and peafowl. Although bonnet macaques (a monkey species) and peafowl pose little threat to humans, their regular raids have driven farmers to abandon enormous swaths of agricultural land.
— Major reasons include regional fluctuations in wildlife populations, animals forced to relocate when the quality of their habitats deteriorates, domestic cattle grazing in forest regions, changes in cropping patterns, and so on. But, more crucially, the population growth of wild pigs and various monkey species is causing havoc on human habitats.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to the National Mission for a Green India, consider the following statements:
1. It was launched in 2014.
2. Its main objective is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest and tree cover, using a blend of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
3. The Western Ghats mountain ranges are not included in the Green India Mission.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— According to the new Green India Mission (GIM) whitepaper, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change would prioritise the restoration of sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis and Western Ghats mountain ranges, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan area.
— The amended document claimed that a'micro-ecosystem' approach will be used to make interventions in sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis, Western Ghats, arid parts of North West India, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan region. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
— The National Mission for a Green India was established in February 2014 as one of the eight main missions of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— GIM's primary goal is to maintain, restore, and improve India's forest and tree cover using a combination of climate adaptation and mitigation techniques. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— One of the mission's primary goals was to expand forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land, as well as improve the quality of forest cover on an additional 5 million hectares.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
With reference to the Indian Flapshell Turtle, consider the following statements:
1. It is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm.
2. These species live only in the oceans.
3. They are found only in the Indian Subcontinent.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— The Indian Flapshell Turtle is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. Nesting often begins in late summer and continues through the monsoon season, which lasts from July to November. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— These species live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including rivers and streams, reservoirs, marshes, ponds, lakes, and even salt marshes, rice fields, gutters, and canals in urban areas. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— It is ubiquitous in brackish water lagoons on India's east coast and is frequently seen in irrigation canals and tanks, as well as stagnant paddy fields.
— Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The Indian Flapshell Turtle is native to the Indian Subcontinent, and it's also found in some parts of Myanmar (not considered part of the Indian subcontinent). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Which of the following species exhibit bioluminescence?
1. Jellyfish
2. Worms
3. Sea stars
4. Sharks
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Explanation
— Bioluminescence is the ability of a living creature to generate and radiate light. This phenomenon is unusual in terrestrial ecosystems but prevalent in marine environments.
— Many marine animals, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, worms, crabs, sea stars, fish, and sharks, can create their own light. Deep-living and planktonic creatures exhibit higher luminescence than shallow species. Furthermore, the appearance of bioluminescent light varies depending on the environment and the creature in which it is present.
— According to NOAA, bioluminescence is the product of an enzyme reaction. An enzyme accelerates a chemical reaction by assisting a substrate in reacting. The enzyme is reused in the process rather than being converted into another molecule
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
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Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114)
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