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Environment & EcologyMediumAsked in: RRB NTPC · 28 Dec 2020, Shift 2 (CBT 1)

Lichen is an organism which monitors

  1. A.gas pollution
  2. B.water pollution
  3. C.soil pollution
  4. D.air pollution

Correct answer

D. air pollution

Explanation

The correct answer is D, air pollution. Lichens are used as bio-indicators of air quality because they are extremely sensitive to sulphur dioxide and other gases in the air. A lichen is a partnership of a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium) living together; it has no roots and takes water and minerals straight from the air, so pollutants build up in it quickly. That is why lichens grow well on trees and rocks in clean hill areas but disappear from the centres of polluted cities, and scientists map their presence to judge how clean the air is. A is wrong because gas pollution is not a separate category; the gases concerned are part of air pollution. B is wrong because water pollution is judged with indicators such as coliform bacteria, BOD and algal blooms. C is wrong because soil pollution is tracked through earthworms and soil tests, not lichens. Exam tip: lichen equals sulphur dioxide equals air pollution indicator.

Practice Questions

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Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2019, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements about the National Green Tribunal is not correct?

  1. A.It was set up in the year 2010.
  2. B.It is involved in effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests.
  3. C.It may consider giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
  4. D.It is bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It is bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

The National Green Tribunal is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure; it is guided by the principles of natural justice.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKHard

Consider the following statements about National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) of India for 2017-2031:

1. This is the Third National Wildlife Action Plan.

2. The NWAP is unique as this is the first time India has recognized the concerns relating to climate change impact on wildlife.

3. The NWAP has ten components.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

The plan for 2017-2031 is India's third National Wildlife Action Plan and the first to deal with the impact of climate change on wildlife, but it has five components, not ten.