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Environment & EcologyEasyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2024, GK

Which one of the following biosphere reserves is spread over three States in India?

  1. A.Nilgiri
  2. B.Achanakmar-Amarkantak
  3. C.Seshachalam
  4. D.Agasthyamalai

Correct answer

A. Nilgiri

Explanation

The correct answer is A, Nilgiri. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spreads across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Set up in 1986, Nilgiri was India's first biosphere reserve, and in 2000 it became the first Indian reserve on UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It lies where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet and includes protected areas such as Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Wayanad, Silent Valley and Mukurthi. It is known for its tigers, Asian elephants and the Nilgiri tahr, and for tribes such as the Todas and Kurumbas.

B is wrong because Achanakmar-Amarkantak covers only two states, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. C is wrong because Seshachalam lies entirely in Andhra Pradesh, in the Tirupati hills. D is wrong because Agasthyamalai is shared by only two states, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Exam tip: Nilgiri = first biosphere reserve (1986), three states (TN, Kerala, Karnataka); Agasthyamalai and Achanakmar-Amarkantak = two states each.

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Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2018, GKEasy

Which one of the following statements with regard to growth of coral reefs is not correct?

  1. A.Coral can grow abundantly in freshwater.
  2. B.It requires warm water between 23 °C-25 °C.
  3. C.It requires shallow saltwater, not deeper than 50 metres.
  4. D.It requires plenty of sunlight to aid photosynthesis.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Coral can grow abundantly in freshwater.

Reef-building corals are marine animals and die in fresh water, so this statement is false. Corals are tiny polyps that build skeletons of calcium carbonate and live with algae called zooxanthellae inside their tissues.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2017, Paper IEasy

Which one of the following is NOT decomposed by bacterial action ?

  1. A.Vegetable remains
  2. B.Plastic materials
  3. C.Animal carcasses
  4. D.Wastes of flowers
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Plastic materials

Ordinary plastics are non-biodegradable, so bacteria and fungi cannot break them down in any useful length of time. Most plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC, are long synthetic polymers made from petroleum.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IEasy

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

  1. A.Locomotives using fossil fuels
  2. B.Ships using fossil fuels
  3. C.Extraction of metals from ores
  4. D.Power plants using fossil fuels
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Power plants using fossil fuels

The EPA names the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities as the largest source of sulphur dioxide.