- Which of the following species is an indicator of air pollution?
A) Lichens
B) Pigeons
C) Earthworms
D) Butterflies
Answer: A) Lichens
Explanation:
Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide. Their absence or decline in an area often indicates high levels of air pollution.
- Which gas is the primary pollutant responsible for photochemical smog?
A) Nitric oxide
B) Ozone
C) Methane
D) Carbon monoxide
Answer: A) Nitric oxide
Explanation:
Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), released from vehicle emissions, are key contributors to the formation of photochemical smog. These gases react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to produce ozone (a secondary pollutant), which contributes to smog.
- Which of the following is a biodegradable pollutant?
A) Plastics
B) Pesticides
C) Paper
D) Heavy metals
Answer: C) Paper
Explanation:
Paper is biodegradable as it can be broken down by microorganisms. Plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment for long periods, causing pollution.
- Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation?
A) Increase in biodiversity
B) Soil erosion
C) Decreased CO₂ in the atmosphere
D) Formation of new ecosystems
Answer: B) Soil erosion
Explanation:
Deforestation removes trees, which play a crucial role in holding soil together and preventing erosion. Without tree roots to anchor the soil, erosion by wind and water increases.
- Which of the following protocols is related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions?
A) Montreal Protocol
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Stockholm Convention
D) Basel Convention
Answer: B) Kyoto Protocol
Explanation:
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, is an international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. The Montreal Protocol focuses on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
- Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A) Water vapor
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Methane
Answer: B) Nitrogen
Explanation:
Nitrogen (N₂) makes up the majority of Earth’s atmosphere but does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases include water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH₄), which trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Which of the following is an effect of global warming?
A) Increased polar ice caps
B) Decrease in sea levels
C) Ocean acidification
D) Decrease in global temperatures
Answer: C) Ocean acidification
Explanation:
Global warming leads to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO₂ by the oceans, which results in ocean acidification. This negatively affects marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.
- Which of the following can control water pollution from agricultural runoff?
A) Use of chemical fertilizers
B) Terracing and contour plowing
C) Deforestation
D) Urbanization
Answer: B) Terracing and contour plowing
Explanation:
Terracing and contour plowing reduce soil erosion and runoff, helping to control water pollution from agriculture. These practices prevent the washing away of soil, nutrients, and pollutants into water bodies.
- Which of the following gases is released in large quantities during the combustion of fossil fuels and contributes to the greenhouse effect?
A) Oxygen
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Argon
D) Nitrogen
Answer: B) Carbon dioxide
Explanation:
The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
- Which of the following is the primary reason for loss of biodiversity?
A) Climate change
B) Habitat destruction
C) Natural disasters
D) Overpopulation of species
Answer: B) Habitat destruction
Explanation:
Habitat destruction, mainly due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, is the primary cause of biodiversity loss. It leads to the displacement or extinction of many species.
Leave a comment