Skip to content
GK24
Prime
Environment & EcologyEasyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper I

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ?

  1. A.It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
  2. B.It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
  3. C.It is endemic to a particular region of India.
  4. D.Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

Correct answer

A. It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Explanation

The correct answer is A, It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. Schedule I lists the animals that get the highest level of legal protection in India, and the tiger is one of them. Hunting or trading a Schedule I animal, its parts or products is banned except in very narrow cases, and offences carry the heaviest penalties under the Act, including imprisonment. So when a tortoise or turtle is placed in Schedule I, harming it is treated as seriously as killing a tiger; several Indian turtles, such as the Indian softshell and the olive ridley sea turtle, are listed this way. Option B is wrong because listing in Schedule I says nothing about a species being extinct in the wild or beyond saving; the purpose is to protect it in its habitat. Option C is wrong because many Schedule I animals, the tiger and the leopard among them, are found across India and in other countries. Option D is wrong because both B and C are incorrect. Exam tip: Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 = highest protection, the same as the tiger, elephant and Great Indian Bustard.

Practice Questions

View all
Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

NPOP is run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Rural Development, while the statements about APEDA and Sikkim are correct.

Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.

3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

The Forest Rights Act defines critical wildlife habitat, and the Baigas were the first community to receive habitat rights, but the Environment Ministry does not grant those rights.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

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 ?

  1. A.1, 2 and 3
  2. B.2 and 4 only
  3. C.4 only
  4. D.1, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 4 only

Nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are the two gases that turn rain acidic. When coal and oil burn in power plants, factories and vehicles, they release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air.